Daily Readings - Fri Aug 29 2025

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 powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the courage required to stand for truth and justice. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet being commissioned by God to speak boldly to a people who have turned away from Him. God assures Jeremiah that He will strengthen him, making him as unyielding as an iron pillar and a bronze wall, despite the opposition he will face. This passage emphasizes God’s unwavering support for those He calls to serve as His messengers. The Gospel from Mark presents a stark contrast with the tragic story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom. John, like Jeremiah, spoke truth to power, condemning Herod’s unlawful marriage to Herodias. His unwavering commitment to justice ultimately led to his execution, orchestrated by Herodias through her daughter. This narrative reminds us that standing up for what is right can come at a great personal cost, yet it is a testament to the integrity and courage that define a life lived in fidelity to God’s will. These readings challenge us to reflect on our own lives. How often do we find ourselves tempted to remain silent in the face of injustice or compromise our values to avoid conflict? Jeremiah and John the Baptist teach us that true discipleship requires courage and a willingness to confront sin, even when it is uncomfortable or dangerous. As we navigate the complexities of our own world, may we draw strength from God’s promise to Jeremiah: “I am with you to deliver you.” Let us pray for the grace to speak truth with love and to trust in God’s presence, especially when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult.