Daily Readings - Fri Apr 12 2019
Jeremiah
7O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.10For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.11But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.12But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.13Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.
John
31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.32Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?33The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.34Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?35If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;36Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?37If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.38But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.39Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,40And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.41And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.42And many believed on him there.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, persecution, and trust in God. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet in a moment of deep anguish, expressing his lament and the persecution he endures. Despite his suffering, Jeremiah places his trust in God, acknowledging His strength and justice. This trust is not passive; it is an active choice to rely on God even when circumstances seem dire.
In the Gospel, Jesus faces a similar challenge as He defends His divine identity against those who seek to stone Him. Jesus emphasizes His works as evidence of His union with the Father, urging His adversaries to believe in Him through these signs. This exchange highlights the tension between rejection and revelation, as Jesus' message is met with both hostility and belief.
Both readings remind us that our faith is tested in times of trial. Jeremiah's perseverance and Jesus' steadfastness in the face of opposition encourage us to trust in God's plan, even when we face challenges. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace this trust, recognizing that God's presence and strength are our constants amidst life's uncertainties. Let us draw strength from these examples, persevering in faith and trusting that God's justice and love will prevail.