Daily Readings - Tue Aug 29 2023
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
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.