Daily Readings - Fri Aug 29 2025
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the courage required to stand for truth and justice. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet being commissioned by God to speak boldly to a people who have turned away from Him. God assures Jeremiah that He will strengthen him, making him as unyielding as an iron pillar and a bronze wall, despite the opposition he will face. This passage emphasizes God’s unwavering support for those He calls to serve as His messengers.
The Gospel from Mark presents a stark contrast with the tragic story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom. John, like Jeremiah, spoke truth to power, condemning Herod’s unlawful marriage to Herodias. His unwavering commitment to justice ultimately led to his execution, orchestrated by Herodias through her daughter. This narrative reminds us that standing up for what is right can come at a great personal cost, yet it is a testament to the integrity and courage that define a life lived in fidelity to God’s will.
These readings challenge us to reflect on our own lives. How often do we find ourselves tempted to remain silent in the face of injustice or compromise our values to avoid conflict? Jeremiah and John the Baptist teach us that true discipleship requires courage and a willingness to confront sin, even when it is uncomfortable or dangerous. As we navigate the complexities of our own world, may we draw strength from God’s promise to Jeremiah: “I am with you to deliver you.” Let us pray for the grace to speak truth with love and to trust in God’s presence, especially when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult.