Daily Readings - Sun Aug 30 2020

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.8For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.9Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

Romans

1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Matthew

21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on faith, sacrifice, and the transformative power of living according to God’s will. The prophet Jeremiah expresses the anguish of being a vessel for God’s message, feeling mocked and derided, yet unable to contain the divine word burning within him. This speaks to the burden of faithfulness and the internal conflict of adhering to God’s call despite external opposition. The Gospel presents Jesus foreseeing His Passion and Peter’s resistance to this plan, leading to Jesus’ stern rebuke. This moment highlights the clash between human understanding and divine purpose. Jesus then teaches the disciples about the necessity of self-denial and carrying one’s cross, emphasizing that true life is found in losing oneself for His sake. This is not about seeking suffering, but about prioritizing spiritual life over worldly comforts. Paul’s letter to the Romans bridges these ideas, urging believers to offer their lives as living sacrifices, transformed by renewing their minds. This transformation enables us to discern and live according to God’s will, rejecting conformity to the world. The readings collectively invite us to embrace a life of faith and sacrifice, trusting in God’s plan even when it challenges our human instincts. Let us reflect on how we can align our lives with God’s will, embracing the cross with courage and hope, knowing that true fulfillment comes from following Him.