Daily Readings - Fri Mar 22 2024
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.10For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.11But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.12But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.13Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.
John
31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.32Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?33The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.34Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?35If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;36Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?37If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.38But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.39Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,40And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.41And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.42And many believed on him there.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and the divine presence in our lives. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet in a moment of profound struggle, expressing his persecution and mockery by others. Despite his distress, Jeremiah's trust in God remains unwavering, as he seeks deliverance and vengeance, ultimately praising God for His liberation of the oppressed. This passage underscores the prophet's unshakable faith amidst adversity.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus facing accusations of blasphemy, as the Jews stone Him for claiming to be the Son of God. Jesus defends His divine nature by referencing Scripture and the works He performs through His Father, urging His accusers to believe in the works if they doubt His words. Narrowly escaping apprehension, Jesus retreats to the Jordan, where many come to believe in Him, affirming the truth of John the Baptist's testimony. This narrative highlights Jesus' divine identity and the transformative power of His works.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God during challenging times. Like Jeremiah, we may face persecution or mockery, yet we are called to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God's deliverance. Similarly, Jesus' encounter reminds us to recognize His divine presence through His teachings and miracles. In our daily lives, we are challenged to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition, and to open our hearts to the divine works around us. Let us embrace the lessons of trust and faith, allowing God's presence to guide and transform us.