Daily Readings - Wed Mar 20 2019
Jeremiah
18Then they said, "Come, let us make plots against Jeremiah, for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, let us strike him with the tongue, and let us not pay attention to any of his words."19Hear me, O LORD, and listen to the voice of my adversaries.20Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for my life. Remember how I stood before you to speak good for them, to turn away your wrath from them.
Matthew
17And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,18"See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death19and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day."20Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.21And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom."22Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able."23He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."24And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers.25But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.26It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,27and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,28even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound lessons on sacrifice, service, and trust in God’s plan. The first reading from Jeremiah depicts the prophet facing betrayal and persecution for speaking God’s truth. Despite the plot against him, Jeremiah trusts in God’s justice, exemplifying unwavering faith amidst adversity. In the Gospel, Jesus foretells His crucifixion and resurrection, embodying the ultimate act of self-giving love. When the mother of James and John seeks prominent positions for her sons, Jesus seizes the moment to teach His disciples about true leadership, emphasizing that greatness lies in serving others, not in power.
Both readings highlight the themes of sacrifice and service. Jeremiah’s suffering and Jesus’ crucifixion illustrate the cost of standing for truth and love. The connection between the readings lies in their emphasis on selflessness. Just as Jeremiah endures for a higher purpose, Jesus’ sacrifice redeems humanity. The disciples’ ambition prompts Jesus to redefine leadership as humility and service, a lesson that resonates with Jeremiah’s steadfast trust in God.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace sacrifice and service. We can apply this by putting others first, standing up for truth even in hardship, and trusting in God’s plan. The moral lesson is clear: true leadership and discipleship are rooted in humility and selflessness. Let us strive to follow Jesus’ example, trusting in God’s plan and serving others with love and humility.