Daily Readings - Fri Jul 29 2022
Jeremiah
1In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD, saying,2Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:3If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.4And thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD; If ye will not hearken to me, to walk in my law, which I have set before you,5To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending them, but ye have not hearkened;6Then will I make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.7So the priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD.8Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die.9Why hast thou prophesied in the name of the LORD, saying, This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate without an inhabitant? And all the people were gathered against Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.
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 moments of faith and prophecy. The first reading from Jeremiah depicts the prophet standing courageously in the Temple, delivering a message from God to the people of Judah. Despite the potential danger, Jeremiah faithfully relays God's words, urging the people to turn from their wicked ways. His prophecy warns of destruction if they do not listen, yet he stands firm, trusting in God's plan. This scene highlights the difficult role of the prophet, who must speak truth even in the face of rejection and peril.
In the Gospel, we find Martha expressing her faith in Jesus when he arrives after Lazarus's death. Her statement, "I know that whatever you will request from God, God will give to you," shows her trust in Jesus's divine power. Jesus's response, "I am the Resurrection and the Life," shifts Martha's focus from mourning to hope, emphasizing that faith in him transcends even death. Martha's affirmation, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," underscores her unwavering belief.
These readings connect through the theme of faith and trust in God's plan. Jeremiah's courage and Martha's belief illustrate the transformative power of faith. In our lives, we are called to trust God, even in uncertain times. Like Martha, we can find hope in Jesus's promise of eternal life. Let us embrace this faith, allowing it to guide us through life's challenges, trusting in God's love and plan.