Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 29, 2018
First Reading: Jeremiah 1.17-19
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.
Psalm 71
1In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.2Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.3Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.4Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.5For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.6By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.7I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.8Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.9Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.10For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,11Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.12O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.13Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.14But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.15My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.16I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.17O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.18Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.19Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!20Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.21Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.22I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.23My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.24My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.
Gospel: Mark 6.17-29
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 stories that call us to reflect on courage, integrity, and the cost of standing up for what is right. The first reading from Jeremiah describes the prophet’s call to speak God’s word boldly, even in the face of opposition. Jeremiah is told to “gird his waist” and not shrink from the challenges ahead, for God promises to be with him and protect him. This passage reminds us that our faith is not a passive belief but an active commitment to living out God’s will, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
The Gospel reading from Mark presents a stark contrast in the story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom. John, like Jeremiah, spoke truth to power, calling Herod to account for his sinful actions. Despite knowing the danger, John remained steadfast in his conviction, and his integrity ultimately cost him his life. This story challenges us to examine our own willingness to stand up for what is right, even when it comes at a personal cost. Herod’s fear of losing face and his willingness to break his oath to please others reveal the destructive power of pride and cowardice.
Both readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Like Jeremiah, we are called to be courageous in sharing God’s truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Like John the Baptist, we are reminded that integrity and fidelity to God’s will may lead us to face challenges, but they are the foundation of a life lived with purpose and meaning. Let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult? Do we trust in God’s presence and protection as we navigate the trials of life? May we draw strength from these examples and strive to live with the courage and integrity they inspire.