Daily Readings - Wed Mar 20 2019
Jeremiah
18Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.19Give heed to me, O LORD, and hearken to the voice of them that contend with me.20Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.
Matthew
17And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,18Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,19And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.20Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.21And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.22But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.23And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.24And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.25But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.26But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;27And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound lessons on sacrifice, service, and trust in God’s plan. The first reading from Jeremiah depicts the prophet facing betrayal and persecution for speaking God’s truth. Despite the plot against him, Jeremiah trusts in God’s justice, exemplifying unwavering faith amidst adversity. In the Gospel, Jesus foretells His crucifixion and resurrection, embodying the ultimate act of self-giving love. When the mother of James and John seeks prominent positions for her sons, Jesus seizes the moment to teach His disciples about true leadership, emphasizing that greatness lies in serving others, not in power.
Both readings highlight the themes of sacrifice and service. Jeremiah’s suffering and Jesus’ crucifixion illustrate the cost of standing for truth and love. The connection between the readings lies in their emphasis on selflessness. Just as Jeremiah endures for a higher purpose, Jesus’ sacrifice redeems humanity. The disciples’ ambition prompts Jesus to redefine leadership as humility and service, a lesson that resonates with Jeremiah’s steadfast trust in God.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace sacrifice and service. We can apply this by putting others first, standing up for truth even in hardship, and trusting in God’s plan. The moral lesson is clear: true leadership and discipleship are rooted in humility and selflessness. Let us strive to follow Jesus’ example, trusting in God’s plan and serving others with love and humility.