Daily Readings - Fri Jul 29 2022
Jeremiah
1In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the LORD:2"Thus says the LORD: Stand in the court of the LORD's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the LORD all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word.3It may be they will listen, and every one turn from his evil way, that I may relent of the disaster that I intend to do to them because of their evil deeds.4You shall say to them, 'Thus says the LORD: If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law that I have set before you,5and to listen to the words of my servants the prophets whom I send to you urgently, though you have not listened,6then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth.'"7The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD.8And when Jeremiah had finished speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people, then the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold of him, saying, "You shall die!9Why have you prophesied in the name of the LORD, saying, 'This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate, without inhabitant'?" And all the people gathered around Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.
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 moments of faith and prophecy. The first reading from Jeremiah depicts the prophet standing courageously in the Temple, delivering a message from God to the people of Judah. Despite the potential danger, Jeremiah faithfully relays God's words, urging the people to turn from their wicked ways. His prophecy warns of destruction if they do not listen, yet he stands firm, trusting in God's plan. This scene highlights the difficult role of the prophet, who must speak truth even in the face of rejection and peril.
In the Gospel, we find Martha expressing her faith in Jesus when he arrives after Lazarus's death. Her statement, "I know that whatever you will request from God, God will give to you," shows her trust in Jesus's divine power. Jesus's response, "I am the Resurrection and the Life," shifts Martha's focus from mourning to hope, emphasizing that faith in him transcends even death. Martha's affirmation, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," underscores her unwavering belief.
These readings connect through the theme of faith and trust in God's plan. Jeremiah's courage and Martha's belief illustrate the transformative power of faith. In our lives, we are called to trust God, even in uncertain times. Like Martha, we can find hope in Jesus's promise of eternal life. Let us embrace this faith, allowing it to guide us through life's challenges, trusting in God's love and plan.