Daily Readings - Thu Aug 29 2019
Jeremiah
17Therefore, you should gird your waist, and rise up, and speak to them everything that I instruct you. You should not have dread before their face. For I will cause you to be unafraid of their countenance18For certainly, this day, I have made you like a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and a brass wall, over all the land, to the kings of Judah, to its leaders, and to the priests, and to the people of the land19And they will make war against you, but they will not prevail. For I am with you, says the Lord, so that I may free you.
Mark
17For Herod himself had sent to capture John, and had chained him in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip; for he had married her18For John was saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.19Now Herodias was devising treachery against him; and she wanted to kill him, but she was unable20For Herod was apprehensive of John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and so he guarded him. And he heard that he was accomplishing many things, and so he listened to him willingly21And when an opportune time had arrived, Herod held a feast on his birthday, with the leaders, and the tribunes, and the first rulers of Galilee22And when the daughter of the same Herodias had entered, and danced, and pleased Herod, along with those who were at table with him, the king said to the girl, "Request from me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.23And he swore to her, "Anything that you request, I will give to you, even up to half my kingdom.24And when she had gone out, she said to her mother, "What shall I request?" But her mother said, "The head of John the Baptist.25And immediately, when she had entered with haste to the king, she petitioned him, saying: "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.26And the king was greatly saddened. But because of his oath, and because of those who were sitting with him at table, he was not willing to disappoint her27So, having sent an executioner, he instructed that his head be brought on a platter28And he beheaded him in prison, and he brought his head on a platter. And he gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it her mother29When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and they placed it in a tomb
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that call us to reflect on courage, integrity, and the cost of standing up for what is right. The first reading from Jeremiah describes the prophet’s divine commission to speak God’s truth without fear, assured of His protection. Jeremiah is reminded that he is strengthened by the Lord to face the challenges of his mission. The Gospel, from Mark, presents a stark contrast with the tragic story of John the Baptist, who loses his life for speaking truth to power. Herod, swayed by his own desires and pressured by those around him, ultimately yields to the deceitful request of Herodias and orders John’s execution. These readings invite us to consider the importance of living with integrity and the courage required to stand firm in the face of adversity.
The context of these readings reveals the broader theme of prophetic witness. Jeremiah is called by God to speak to a people in crisis, urging them to return to the Lord. His mission is not an easy one, as he will face resistance and opposition, but God assures him of His presence and strength. Similarly, John the Baptist in the Gospel is a prophet who confronts sin and injustice, even when it involves those in power. His unwavering commitment to truth leads to his martyrdom, but it also underscores the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil. Together, these readings remind us that following Christ requires us to live with courage and conviction, even when it means facing difficult choices or challenges.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine our own commitment to living according to God’s truth. How often do we compromise our values or remain silent in the face of wrongdoing because it is uncomfortable or inconvenient? The examples of Jeremiah and John the Baptist remind us that true discipleship requires us to speak and act with integrity, trusting in God’s grace to guide and protect us. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to stand up for what is right, even if it means facing opposition? How can I grow in courage and faith to fulfill my own mission as a follower of Christ? May we, like Jeremiah and John, find the strength to live with integrity and to bear witness to the truth, no matter the cost.