Daily Readings - Tue Aug 29 2017
First Reading - Jeremiah 1.17-19
Jeremiah
17Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.18For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.19And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.
Gospel - Mark 6.17-29
Mark
17For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.18For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.19Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:20For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.21And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;22And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.23And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.24And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.25And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.26And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.27And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,28And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.29And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on courage, integrity, and the call to stand firm in our faith. The first reading from Jeremiah describes the prophet's commission by God, where he is instructed to speak without fear, assured of divine strength. Jeremiah is likened to a fortified city, emphasizing God's unwavering support. This passage underscores the theme of trust in God's providence, even when facing adversity.
The Gospel from Mark presents a stark contrast with the story of John the Baptist's martyrdom. John's unwavering commitment to truth leads to his demise at the hands of Herod, who is swayed by the deceit of Herodias. This narrative highlights the consequences of speaking truth to power and the moral courage required to uphold righteousness, even in the face of death.
Both readings remind us that our faith calls us to stand up for what is right, regardless of the challenges we may face. In our daily lives, we are often tempted to compromise our values for comfort or convenience. However, the examples of Jeremiah and John the Baptist teach us the importance of integrity and trust in God's presence. Let us draw strength from these stories, embracing the courage to live out our faith with authenticity and moral conviction.