Daily Readings - Wed Feb 28 2024
Jeremiah
18Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.19Give heed to me, O LORD, and hearken to the voice of them that contend with me.20Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.
Matthew
17And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,18Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,19And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.20Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.21And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.22But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.23And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.24And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.25But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.26But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;27And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound lessons on faith, adversity, and true greatness. The prophet Jeremiah, in the first reading, faces opposition from his own people who plot against him for his unwavering commitment to God’s message. Despite their malice, Jeremiah trusts in God’s justice, reminding us that even in the face of betrayal, our faith must remain steadfast. In the Gospel, Jesus predicts His Passion and resurrection, then teaches His disciples about humility and service. The mother of James and John seeks power for her sons, but Jesus uses this moment to redefine greatness, emphasizing that true leadership is found in serving others.
Both readings highlight the theme of opposition and redefinition. Jeremiah’s persecution underscores the cost of fidelity to God, while Jesus’ teachings challenge the disciples’ worldly ambitions. The context of Jeremiah’s time was one of impending judgment, yet he remained faithful, trusting in God’s plan. Similarly, Jesus, on the brink of His Passion, calls His followers to embrace a life of service, not power. These narratives remind us that our worth is not measured by earthly status but by our willingness to serve and trust in God’s providence.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to challenges and where we seek our validation. Like Jeremiah, we may face opposition for standing by our beliefs, but our trust in God’s plan must endure. Like the disciples, we may be tempted by earthly ambitions, but Jesus calls us to humility and service. The moral lesson is clear: true greatness lies in serving others and trusting God, even in adversity. Let us strive to live this out, finding strength in faith and joy in serving, reflecting God’s love in all we do.