Daily Readings - Tue Aug 29 2017
Jeremiah
17"Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.18Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land-against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land.19They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
Mark
17For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married.18For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."19So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to,20because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.21Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.22When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.23The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you." And he promised her with an oath, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom."24She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?The head of John the Baptist," she answered.25At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter."26The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.27So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison,28and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother.29On hearing of this, John's disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on courage, integrity, and the call to stand firm in our faith. The first reading from Jeremiah describes the prophet's commission by God, where he is instructed to speak without fear, assured of divine strength. Jeremiah is likened to a fortified city, emphasizing God's unwavering support. This passage underscores the theme of trust in God's providence, even when facing adversity.
The Gospel from Mark presents a stark contrast with the story of John the Baptist's martyrdom. John's unwavering commitment to truth leads to his demise at the hands of Herod, who is swayed by the deceit of Herodias. This narrative highlights the consequences of speaking truth to power and the moral courage required to uphold righteousness, even in the face of death.
Both readings remind us that our faith calls us to stand up for what is right, regardless of the challenges we may face. In our daily lives, we are often tempted to compromise our values for comfort or convenience. However, the examples of Jeremiah and John the Baptist teach us the importance of integrity and trust in God's presence. Let us draw strength from these stories, embracing the courage to live out our faith with authenticity and moral conviction.