Daily Readings - Sun Aug 18 2019
Jeremiah
4Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.5Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.6Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.8Ebedmelech went forth out of the king's house, and spake to the king, saying,9My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.10Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.
Hebrews
1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.4Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Luke
49I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?50But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!51Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:52For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.53The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that challenge us to reflect on our faith and its implications in our lives. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet facing severe persecution for speaking unwelcome truths, yet his rescue by Ebedmelech highlights the courage and compassion that can emerge in dire situations. This story underscores the cost of standing up for one's beliefs and the importance of intervening on behalf of others in need.
The second reading from Hebrews encourages us to persevere through life's struggles by looking to the "cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us. It reminds us that our journey of faith is not solitary but supported by a community that has endured similar trials. Jesus, as the ultimate example, shows us that true commitment to our faith can lead to transformative power, even in the face of adversity.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus' message about the divisive nature of his mission. This passage challenges us to consider the depth of our commitment to our faith, recognizing that it may lead to difficult choices and conflicts, even within our closest relationships. Yet, it is through these challenges that our faith is refined and strengthened.
These readings interrelate by emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the courage required to stand by our beliefs. Jeremiah's ordeal, the encouragement from Hebrews, and Jesus' message all point to the enduring strength found in perseverance and trust in God. In our daily lives, we may face situations where our faith leads to conflict or hardship. The sermon invites us to embrace these challenges with courage, trusting in God's providence and the support of our faith community.
The moral lesson here is one of steadfastness and hope. Just as Jeremiah found rescue through Ebedmelech and Jesus endured the cross for our sake, we too can find the strength to overcome any struggle. Our faith calls us to stand firm, trusting that God will provide the grace needed to navigate life's trials. Let us draw inspiration from these examples, living our faith with courage and resilience, knowing that we are part of a larger community that upholds and supports us.