Daily Readings - Wed Jul 29 2020
Jeremiah
10Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; yet every one of them doth curse me.16Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.17I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.18Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?19Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.20And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.21And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.
Gospel - John 11.17-27 or Luke 10.38-42
John
17Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.18Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:19And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.20Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.21Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.22But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.23Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Luke
38Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound expressions of faith amidst adversity. The prophet Jeremiah voices his sorrow and isolation, feeling the weight of his mission as he faces opposition and threats. Despite his struggles, he clings to God's promise of redemption and the strength to fulfill his role as a mouthpiece for the divine. In the Gospel, Martha, grieving the loss of her brother Lazarus, expresses her unwavering faith in Jesus's power, acknowledging Him as the Resurrection and Life. Her dialogue with Jesus highlights the transformative power of belief, even in the face of death.
Jeremiah's context is one of turmoil; as a prophet, he is called to deliver difficult messages, leading to isolation and persecution. His lament reflects the human struggle of feeling overwhelmed yet remaining faithful. Martha's situation is one of personal loss, yet her interaction with Jesus showcases her deep trust in His divine authority and the hope of eternal life. Both narratives illustrate the universal human experience of grappling with suffering while seeking solace in faith.
These readings remind us that faith is not about escaping hardship but navigating it with trust in God's plan. Jeremiah's perseverance and Martha's unwavering belief encourage us to hold onto faith during life's challenges. Jesus's declaration as the Resurrection and Life invites us to embrace the hope that transcends even death. As we face our own struggles, may we find strength in God's promises, trusting in His presence and plan, and may our faith be the cornerstone that sustains us through every trial.