Daily Readings - Mon Aug 29 2022
Jeremiah
17But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them.18And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.19They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you."
Mark
17For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her.18For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."19And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not,20for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.21But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.22For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you."23And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."24And she went out and said to her mother, "For what should I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist."25And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."26And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.27And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison28and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.29When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that highlight the themes of divine commission, courage, and the consequences of standing up for truth. The first reading from Jeremiah depicts the prophet being called by God to speak His words without fear, assured of divine protection and strength. Jeremiah is likened to a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall, symbolizing unwavering resilience against opposition. This passage underscores God’s empowerment of His messengers to deliver difficult truths, even in the face of adversity.
The Gospel reading from Mark presents a stark contrast with the tragic story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom. John, steadfast in his prophetic role, confronts Herod regarding his immoral marriage, leading to Herodias’s vengeance. Despite Herod’s internal conflict and fear of John’s righteousness, he succumbs to his oath and the pressures of his guests, resulting in John’s beheading. This narrative illustrates the ultimate sacrifice for truth and the complexities of human weakness in the face of moral challenges.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own commitment to living out our faith with integrity. Like Jeremiah, we are called to courageously share God’s message, trusting in His strength. John the Baptist’s example reminds us that standing up for what is right can lead to significant personal cost, yet it is in these moments that our faith is tested and refined. In our daily lives, we are challenged to embody this courage and integrity, whether in our personal relationships, workplaces, or communities. Let us pray for the grace to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God will provide the strength needed to face any trial, just as He did for Jeremiah and John.