Daily Readings - Sat Mar 20 2021
Jeremiah
18But you, O Lord, have revealed this to me, and I have understood. Then you displayed their efforts to me19And I was like a meek lamb, who is being carried to be a victim. And I did not realize that they had devised plans against me, saying: "Let us place wood upon his bread, and let us eradicate him from the land of the living, and let his name no longer be remembered.20But you, O Lord of hosts, who judges justly, and who tests the temperament and the heart, let me see your vengeance against them. For I have revealed my case to you
John
40Therefore, some from that crowd, when they had heard these words of his, were saying, "This one truly is the Prophet.41Others were saying, "He is the Christ." Yet certain ones were saying: "Does the Christ come from Galilee42Does Scripture not say that the Christ comes from the offspring of David and from Bethlehem, the town where David was?43And so there arose a dissension among the multitude because of him44Now certain ones among them wanted to apprehend him, but no one laid hands upon him45Therefore, the attendants went to the high priests and the Pharisees. And they said to them, "Why have you not brought him?46The attendants responded, "Never has a man spoken like this man.47And so the Pharisees answered them: "Have you also been seduced48Have any of the leaders believed in him, or any of the Pharisees49But this crowd, which does not know the law, they are accursed.50Nicodemus, the one who came to him by night and who was one of them, said to them51"Does our law judge a man, unless it has first heard him and has known what he has done?52They responded and said to him: "Are you also a Galilean? Study the Scriptures, and see that a prophet does not arise from Galilee.53And each one returned to his own house
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of faith and discernment. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet's trust in God's justice amidst betrayal. Jeremiah, aware of the plots against him, turns to God, seeking vengeance but also demonstrating his faith in God's just judgment. This passage highlights Jeremiah's meek acceptance of his fate, relying on God's righteousness rather than his own strength.
In the Gospel, John 7:40-53, we witness the division among the people regarding Jesus. Some recognize Him as the Prophet or the Messiah, while others doubt, citing His Galilean origins. The Pharisees dismiss the crowd as ignorant and question the validity of a prophet from Galilee. Nicodemus, however, advocates for a fair hearing, challenging the hasty judgment of the Pharisees. This passage underscores the theme of discernment and the importance of seeking truth beyond appearances.
Both readings invite us to reflect on trust and discernment in our own lives. Like Jeremiah, we may face challenges where we must trust in God's justice rather than our own understanding. Similarly, when encountering doubts or uncertainties, we are called to seek God's will, as Jesus exemplifies, rather than relying on superficial judgments. Let us pray for the grace to trust in God's plan and to discern His truth in our lives, especially when faced with opposition or uncertainty.