Daily Readings - Thu Aug 29 2024
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 lessons about courage, integrity, and the cost of standing up for what is right. In the first reading, Jeremiah is called by God to be a prophet to the nations. Despite his initial hesitation, God strengthens him, saying, "I am with you to deliver you." This assurance is not a promise of comfort or ease but a guarantee of divine support in the face of adversity. Jeremiah is tasked with speaking difficult truths to a people who may resist or even oppose him. Similarly, in the Gospel, we see John the Baptist, who courageously confronts Herod about his sinful marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife. John’s unwavering commitment to truth leads to his imprisonment and eventual martyrdom. Herod, though aware of John’s holiness, allows fear of embarrassment and the whims of others to lead him into a tragic decision.
These readings remind us that living out our faith often requires us to stand firm in the face of opposition. Jeremiah and John the Baptist both faced formidable challenges, yet they remained faithful to their calling. Their stories highlight the tension between personal comfort and doing what is right. Jeremiah could have stayed silent, and John could have avoided confronting Herod, but both chose to act with integrity, trusting in God’s providence. This is a timeless lesson for us today. In our own lives, we may face situations where we are tempted to compromise our values or stay quiet in the face of injustice. The readings encourage us to embrace courage and trust in God’s presence, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult.
Ultimately, these readings invite us to reflect on our own commitment to living as disciples of Christ. Like Jeremiah and John the Baptist, we are called to be voices of truth and integrity in a world that often resists it. This may require sacrifice, but it also brings the assurance of God’s presence and strength. Let us pray for the courage to stand firm in our faith, to speak truth with love, and to trust in God’s plan, even when the consequences are unknown. May we, like these prophets, be willing to pay the price for living according to God’s will.