Daily Readings - Sat Mar 17 2018
Jeremiah
18The LORD made it known to me and I knew; then you showed me their deeds.19But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. I did not know it was against me they devised schemes, saying, "Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more."20But, O LORD of hosts, who judges righteously, who tests the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause.
John
40When they heard these words, some of the people said, "This really is the Prophet."41Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "Is the Christ to come from Galilee?42Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?"43So there was a division among the people over him.44Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.45The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why did you not bring him?"46The officers answered, "No one ever spoke like this man!"47The Pharisees answered them, "Have you also been deceived?48Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?49But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed."50Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them,51"Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?"52They replied, "Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee." [The earliest manuscripts do not include John 7:53-8:11]53[[They went each to his own house,
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on trust, faith, and the challenges of living according to God's will. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet as a meek lamb, unaware of the plots against him, yet trusting in God's justice. Jeremiah's situation mirrors the struggles of many prophets in the Old Testament, who faced opposition for their unwavering commitment to God's message. This passage underscores Jeremiah's deep trust in God, even when faced with adversity, highlighting his reliance on divine justice rather than human understanding.
The Gospel reading from John presents a scene of division and skepticism surrounding Jesus. Some recognize Him as the Prophet or the Christ, while others question His origins. The Pharisees and authorities dismiss Him, even mocking those who believe. Nicodemus, a secret follower, courageously questions the rush to judgment, advocating for a fair hearing. This narrative illustrates the tension between belief and unbelief, as well as the conflict between Jesus' message and the religious establishment. It serves as a reminder of the challenges of standing up for one's faith in the face of opposition.
These readings connect through their themes of trust and faith amidst adversity. Jeremiah's trust in God's justice and Jesus' steadfast commitment to His mission, despite skepticism, encourage us to remain faithful in our own challenges. In our daily lives, we may face similar trials—whether societal pressures, personal doubts, or misunderstandings. The readings urge us to trust in God's plan and to stand firm in our beliefs, even when others do not understand. Let us draw strength from these examples, maintaining our faith and trusting in God's justice, even when the path is uncertain.