Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 18, 2019
First Reading: Jeremiah 38.4-6, 8-10
4Then the officials said to the king, "Let this man be put to death, for he is weakening the hands of the soldiers who are left in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man is not seeking the welfare of this people, but their harm."5King Zedekiah said, "Behold, he is in your hands, for the king can do nothing against you."6So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king's son, which was in the court of the guard, letting Jeremiah down by ropes. And there was no water in the cistern, but only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud.8Ebed-melech went from the king's house and said to the king,9"My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they did to Jeremiah the prophet by casting him into the cistern, and he will die there of hunger, for there is no bread left in the city."10Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, "Take three men with you from here, and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies."
Psalm 40
1I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.2He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.3He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.4Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!5You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.6Sacrifice and offering you have not desired, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.7Then I said, "Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me:8I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."9I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD.10I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.11As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!12For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me.13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me!14Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who desire my hurt!15Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, "Aha, Aha!"16But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, "Great is the LORD!"17As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!
Second Reading: Hebrews 12.1-4
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.3Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.4In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
Gospel: Luke 12.49-53
49"I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!50I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!51Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.52For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that challenge us to reflect on our faith and its implications in our lives. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet facing severe persecution for speaking unwelcome truths, yet his rescue by Ebedmelech highlights the courage and compassion that can emerge in dire situations. This story underscores the cost of standing up for one's beliefs and the importance of intervening on behalf of others in need.
The second reading from Hebrews encourages us to persevere through life's struggles by looking to the "cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us. It reminds us that our journey of faith is not solitary but supported by a community that has endured similar trials. Jesus, as the ultimate example, shows us that true commitment to our faith can lead to transformative power, even in the face of adversity.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus' message about the divisive nature of his mission. This passage challenges us to consider the depth of our commitment to our faith, recognizing that it may lead to difficult choices and conflicts, even within our closest relationships. Yet, it is through these challenges that our faith is refined and strengthened.
These readings interrelate by emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the courage required to stand by our beliefs. Jeremiah's ordeal, the encouragement from Hebrews, and Jesus' message all point to the enduring strength found in perseverance and trust in God. In our daily lives, we may face situations where our faith leads to conflict or hardship. The sermon invites us to embrace these challenges with courage, trusting in God's providence and the support of our faith community.
The moral lesson here is one of steadfastness and hope. Just as Jeremiah found rescue through Ebedmelech and Jesus endured the cross for our sake, we too can find the strength to overcome any struggle. Our faith calls us to stand firm, trusting that God will provide the grace needed to navigate life's trials. Let us draw inspiration from these examples, living our faith with courage and resilience, knowing that we are part of a larger community that upholds and supports us.