Daily Readings - Wed Feb 28 2024
Jeremiah
18Then they said, "Come, let us make plots against Jeremiah, for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, let us strike him with the tongue, and let us not pay attention to any of his words."19Hear me, O LORD, and listen to the voice of my adversaries.20Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for my life. Remember how I stood before you to speak good for them, to turn away your wrath from them.
Matthew
17And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,18"See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death19and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day."20Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.21And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom."22Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able."23He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."24And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers.25But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.26It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,27and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,28even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound lessons on faith, adversity, and true greatness. The prophet Jeremiah, in the first reading, faces opposition from his own people who plot against him for his unwavering commitment to God’s message. Despite their malice, Jeremiah trusts in God’s justice, reminding us that even in the face of betrayal, our faith must remain steadfast. In the Gospel, Jesus predicts His Passion and resurrection, then teaches His disciples about humility and service. The mother of James and John seeks power for her sons, but Jesus uses this moment to redefine greatness, emphasizing that true leadership is found in serving others.
Both readings highlight the theme of opposition and redefinition. Jeremiah’s persecution underscores the cost of fidelity to God, while Jesus’ teachings challenge the disciples’ worldly ambitions. The context of Jeremiah’s time was one of impending judgment, yet he remained faithful, trusting in God’s plan. Similarly, Jesus, on the brink of His Passion, calls His followers to embrace a life of service, not power. These narratives remind us that our worth is not measured by earthly status but by our willingness to serve and trust in God’s providence.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to challenges and where we seek our validation. Like Jeremiah, we may face opposition for standing by our beliefs, but our trust in God’s plan must endure. Like the disciples, we may be tempted by earthly ambitions, but Jesus calls us to humility and service. The moral lesson is clear: true greatness lies in serving others and trusting God, even in adversity. Let us strive to live this out, finding strength in faith and joy in serving, reflecting God’s love in all we do.