Daily Readings - Tue Aug 29 2023
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
The readings today present us with powerful examples of courage and conviction in the face of adversity. In the first reading, Jeremiah is called by God to be a prophet, and though he may feel inadequate, God strengthens him, saying, "I am with you to deliver you." Jeremiah is reminded that he is not alone in his mission; God will make him like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a brass wall. This image of strength and resilience is a reminder that when we are called to speak the truth, God equips us with the courage and perseverance we need. Jeremiah’s mission is not an easy one—he will face opposition and hostility—but God assures him that he will prevail.
In the Gospel, we see a very different kind of courage in the person of John the Baptist. John’s unwavering commitment to the truth leads him to confront Herod, the powerful ruler, about his sinful union with Herodias, his brother’s wife. John’s boldness comes at a great cost—Herodias devises a plan to kill him, and ultimately, John loses his life. Yet, even in death, John’s witness to the truth endures. His martyrdom is a testament to the idea that standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming power, is a fundamental act of faith. John’s courage is not about seeking recognition or reward but about remaining faithful to God’s will, no matter the cost.
These readings challenge us to reflect on our own lives. Are we willing to stand up for the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or difficult? Do we trust in God’s presence and strength when we face opposition? Jeremiah and John the Baptist show us that true courage is not about being fearless but about trusting in God’s promise to be with us. In our daily lives, we may not face the same dramatic challenges, but we are still called to speak the truth, to stand up for justice, and to live with integrity. Let us ask for the grace to be bold in our witness, to trust in God’s providence, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to doing what is right.