Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 29, 2023
First Reading: Jeremiah 1.17-19
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."
Psalm 71
1In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!2In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me!3Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.4Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.5For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.6Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you.7I have been as a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.8My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.9Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.10For my enemies speak concerning me; those who watch for my life consult together11and say, "God has forsaken him; pursue and seize him, for there is none to deliver him."12O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!13May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt.14But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.15My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge.16With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.17O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.18So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.19Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens. You who have done great things, O God, who is like you?20You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.21You will increase my greatness and comfort me again.22I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.23My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.24And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long, for they have been put to shame and disappointed who sought to do me hurt.
Gospel: Mark 6.17-29
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
The readings today present us with powerful examples of courage and conviction in the face of adversity. In the first reading, Jeremiah is called by God to be a prophet, and though he may feel inadequate, God strengthens him, saying, "I am with you to deliver you." Jeremiah is reminded that he is not alone in his mission; God will make him like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a brass wall. This image of strength and resilience is a reminder that when we are called to speak the truth, God equips us with the courage and perseverance we need. Jeremiah’s mission is not an easy one—he will face opposition and hostility—but God assures him that he will prevail.
In the Gospel, we see a very different kind of courage in the person of John the Baptist. John’s unwavering commitment to the truth leads him to confront Herod, the powerful ruler, about his sinful union with Herodias, his brother’s wife. John’s boldness comes at a great cost—Herodias devises a plan to kill him, and ultimately, John loses his life. Yet, even in death, John’s witness to the truth endures. His martyrdom is a testament to the idea that standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming power, is a fundamental act of faith. John’s courage is not about seeking recognition or reward but about remaining faithful to God’s will, no matter the cost.
These readings challenge us to reflect on our own lives. Are we willing to stand up for the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or difficult? Do we trust in God’s presence and strength when we face opposition? Jeremiah and John the Baptist show us that true courage is not about being fearless but about trusting in God’s promise to be with us. In our daily lives, we may not face the same dramatic challenges, but we are still called to speak the truth, to stand up for justice, and to live with integrity. Let us ask for the grace to be bold in our witness, to trust in God’s providence, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to doing what is right.