Daily Readings - Sat Mar 16 2024
Jeremiah
18The LORD made it known to me and I knew; then you showed me their deeds.19But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. I did not know it was against me they devised schemes, saying, "Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more."20But, O LORD of hosts, who judges righteously, who tests the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause.
John
40When they heard these words, some of the people said, "This really is the Prophet."41Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "Is the Christ to come from Galilee?42Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?"43So there was a division among the people over him.44Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.45The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why did you not bring him?"46The officers answered, "No one ever spoke like this man!"47The Pharisees answered them, "Have you also been deceived?48Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?49But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed."50Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them,51"Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?"52They replied, "Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee." [The earliest manuscripts do not include John 7:53-8:11]53[[They went each to his own house,
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that highlight the challenges faced by God's messengers and the reactions they provoke. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet as an innocent lamb led to slaughter, revealing his persecution and betrayal. Jeremiah, called by God, faces opposition for speaking uncomfortable truths, a common fate of prophets whose messages often unsettle the status quo.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus amidst a divided crowd, with some hailing Him as the Prophet or Messiah, while others question His origins. The Pharisees' skepticism and the mention of Nicodemus defending Jesus illustrate the growing tension and plotting against Him. Both readings share a common thread: the rejection of God's messengers due to truths that challenge existing beliefs.
In our daily lives, we may face similar dilemmas when standing up for what is right, encountering resistance in our communities or workplaces. These readings remind us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God's justice. The moral lesson here is one of integrity and trust—despite misunderstanding or betrayal, we must follow God's will, knowing He will handle justice in His time. Let us draw strength from these stories, staying faithful and trusting in God's plan, even when met with opposition.