Daily Readings - Sat Aug 29 2020
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 profound narratives that invite us to reflect on courage and faith in the face of adversity. The first reading from Jeremiah describes the prophet's divine commission, where God strengthens him to speak truth without fear, likening him to a fortified city. Jeremiah is assured of God's presence and protection amidst opposition. The Gospel, from Mark, recounts the tragic death of John the Baptist, who faced martyrdom for upholding God's truth against Herod's immoral actions. Despite Herod's internal conflict, John's unwavering commitment to justice led to his demise, yet his disciples' faith endured as they honored his memory.
Both readings highlight the theme of standing firm in one's faith despite formidable challenges. Jeremiah and John exemplify courage, trusting in God's plan even when faced with hostility. Their stories remind us that speaking truth can lead to opposition, but it is in these moments that our faith is tested and refined. The courage they displayed was not born of personal strength but of their trust in God's presence and guidance.
As we apply these lessons to our lives, we are encouraged to embrace our own challenges with faith. Whether in personal struggles or societal injustices, we are called to stand up for what is right, just as Jeremiah and John did. Their examples teach us that true courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act in faith, trusting that God is with us. Let us, therefore, face each day with the confidence that comes from knowing God's presence, and may we, like these prophets, remain steadfast in our commitment to truth and justice.