Daily Readings - Sat Mar 16 2024
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 narratives that highlight the challenges faced by God's messengers and the reactions they provoke. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet as an innocent lamb led to slaughter, revealing his persecution and betrayal. Jeremiah, called by God, faces opposition for speaking uncomfortable truths, a common fate of prophets whose messages often unsettle the status quo.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus amidst a divided crowd, with some hailing Him as the Prophet or Messiah, while others question His origins. The Pharisees' skepticism and the mention of Nicodemus defending Jesus illustrate the growing tension and plotting against Him. Both readings share a common thread: the rejection of God's messengers due to truths that challenge existing beliefs.
In our daily lives, we may face similar dilemmas when standing up for what is right, encountering resistance in our communities or workplaces. These readings remind us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God's justice. The moral lesson here is one of integrity and trust—despite misunderstanding or betrayal, we must follow God's will, knowing He will handle justice in His time. Let us draw strength from these stories, staying faithful and trusting in God's plan, even when met with opposition.