Daily Readings - Wed Jul 29 2020
Jeremiah
10Woe is me, my mother, that you bore me, a man of strife and contention to the whole land! I have not lent, nor have I borrowed, yet all of them curse me.16Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.17I did not sit in the company of revelers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone, because your hand was upon me, for you had filled me with indignation.18Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail?19Therefore thus says the LORD: "If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them.20And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, declares the LORD.21I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless."
Gospel - John 11.17-27 or Luke 10.38-42
John
17Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.18Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off,19and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother.20So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house.21Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.22But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you."23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."24Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day."25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,26and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"27She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world."
Luke
38Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.39And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.40But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."41But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,42but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound expressions of faith amidst adversity. The prophet Jeremiah voices his sorrow and isolation, feeling the weight of his mission as he faces opposition and threats. Despite his struggles, he clings to God's promise of redemption and the strength to fulfill his role as a mouthpiece for the divine. In the Gospel, Martha, grieving the loss of her brother Lazarus, expresses her unwavering faith in Jesus's power, acknowledging Him as the Resurrection and Life. Her dialogue with Jesus highlights the transformative power of belief, even in the face of death.
Jeremiah's context is one of turmoil; as a prophet, he is called to deliver difficult messages, leading to isolation and persecution. His lament reflects the human struggle of feeling overwhelmed yet remaining faithful. Martha's situation is one of personal loss, yet her interaction with Jesus showcases her deep trust in His divine authority and the hope of eternal life. Both narratives illustrate the universal human experience of grappling with suffering while seeking solace in faith.
These readings remind us that faith is not about escaping hardship but navigating it with trust in God's plan. Jeremiah's perseverance and Martha's unwavering belief encourage us to hold onto faith during life's challenges. Jesus's declaration as the Resurrection and Life invites us to embrace the hope that transcends even death. As we face our own struggles, may we find strength in God's promises, trusting in His presence and plan, and may our faith be the cornerstone that sustains us through every trial.