Daily Readings - Sat Mar 20 2021
Jeremiah
18And the LORD hath given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then thou shewedst me their doings.19But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.20But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
John
40Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.41Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?42Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?43So there was a division among the people because of him.44And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.45Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?46The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.47Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?48Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?49But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.50Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)51Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?52They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.53And every man went unto his own house.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of faith and discernment. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet's trust in God's justice amidst betrayal. Jeremiah, aware of the plots against him, turns to God, seeking vengeance but also demonstrating his faith in God's just judgment. This passage highlights Jeremiah's meek acceptance of his fate, relying on God's righteousness rather than his own strength.
In the Gospel, John 7:40-53, we witness the division among the people regarding Jesus. Some recognize Him as the Prophet or the Messiah, while others doubt, citing His Galilean origins. The Pharisees dismiss the crowd as ignorant and question the validity of a prophet from Galilee. Nicodemus, however, advocates for a fair hearing, challenging the hasty judgment of the Pharisees. This passage underscores the theme of discernment and the importance of seeking truth beyond appearances.
Both readings invite us to reflect on trust and discernment in our own lives. Like Jeremiah, we may face challenges where we must trust in God's justice rather than our own understanding. Similarly, when encountering doubts or uncertainties, we are called to seek God's will, as Jesus exemplifies, rather than relying on superficial judgments. Let us pray for the grace to trust in God's plan and to discern His truth in our lives, especially when faced with opposition or uncertainty.