Daily Readings - Fri Aug 29 2025
Jeremiah
17Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.18For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.19And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.
Mark
17For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.18For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.19Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:20For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.21And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;22And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.23And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.24And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.25And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.26And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.27And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,28And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.29And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the courage required to stand for truth and justice. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet being commissioned by God to speak boldly to a people who have turned away from Him. God assures Jeremiah that He will strengthen him, making him as unyielding as an iron pillar and a bronze wall, despite the opposition he will face. This passage emphasizes God’s unwavering support for those He calls to serve as His messengers.
The Gospel from Mark presents a stark contrast with the tragic story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom. John, like Jeremiah, spoke truth to power, condemning Herod’s unlawful marriage to Herodias. His unwavering commitment to justice ultimately led to his execution, orchestrated by Herodias through her daughter. This narrative reminds us that standing up for what is right can come at a great personal cost, yet it is a testament to the integrity and courage that define a life lived in fidelity to God’s will.
These readings challenge us to reflect on our own lives. How often do we find ourselves tempted to remain silent in the face of injustice or compromise our values to avoid conflict? Jeremiah and John the Baptist teach us that true discipleship requires courage and a willingness to confront sin, even when it is uncomfortable or dangerous. As we navigate the complexities of our own world, may we draw strength from God’s promise to Jeremiah: “I am with you to deliver you.” Let us pray for the grace to speak truth with love and to trust in God’s presence, especially when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult.