Daily Readings - Fri Mar 22 2024
Jeremiah
7"You have led me away, O Lord, and I have been led away. You have been stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a derision all day long; everyone mocks me10For I heard the insults of many, and terror all around: ‘Persecute him!’ and, ‘Let us persecute him!’ from all the men who had been at peace with me and who had kept watch by my side. ‘If only there were some way that he might be deceived, and we might prevail against him and obtain vengeance from him!11But the Lord is with me, like a strong warrior. For this reason, those who persecute me will fall, and they will be ineffective. They will be greatly confounded. For they have not understood the everlasting disgrace that will never be wiped away12And you, O Lord of hosts, the Tester of the just, who sees the temperament and the heart: I beg you to let me see your vengeance upon them. For I have revealed my case to you13Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord! For he has freed the soul of the poor from the hand of the wicked
John
31Therefore, the Jews took up stones, in order to stone him32Jesus answered them: "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?33The Jews answered him: "We do not stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy and because, though you are a man, you make yourself God.34Jesus responded to them: "Is it not written in your law, ‘I said: you are gods?35If he called those to whom the word of God was given gods, and Scripture cannot be broken36why do you say, about him whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You have blasphemed,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God?37If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe in me38But if I do them, even if you are not willing to believe in me, believe the works, so that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.39Therefore, they sought to apprehend him, but he escaped from their hands40And he went again across the Jordan, to that place where John first was baptizing. And he lodged there41And many went out to him. And they were saying: "Indeed, John accomplished no signs42But all things whatsoever that John said about this man were true." And many believed in him
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and the divine presence in our lives. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet in a moment of profound struggle, expressing his persecution and mockery by others. Despite his distress, Jeremiah's trust in God remains unwavering, as he seeks deliverance and vengeance, ultimately praising God for His liberation of the oppressed. This passage underscores the prophet's unshakable faith amidst adversity.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus facing accusations of blasphemy, as the Jews stone Him for claiming to be the Son of God. Jesus defends His divine nature by referencing Scripture and the works He performs through His Father, urging His accusers to believe in the works if they doubt His words. Narrowly escaping apprehension, Jesus retreats to the Jordan, where many come to believe in Him, affirming the truth of John the Baptist's testimony. This narrative highlights Jesus' divine identity and the transformative power of His works.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God during challenging times. Like Jeremiah, we may face persecution or mockery, yet we are called to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God's deliverance. Similarly, Jesus' encounter reminds us to recognize His divine presence through His teachings and miracles. In our daily lives, we are challenged to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition, and to open our hearts to the divine works around us. Let us embrace the lessons of trust and faith, allowing God's presence to guide and transform us.