Daily Readings - Wed Aug 29 2018
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 stories that call us to reflect on courage, integrity, and the cost of standing up for what is right. The first reading from Jeremiah describes the prophet’s call to speak God’s word boldly, even in the face of opposition. Jeremiah is told to “gird his waist” and not shrink from the challenges ahead, for God promises to be with him and protect him. This passage reminds us that our faith is not a passive belief but an active commitment to living out God’s will, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
The Gospel reading from Mark presents a stark contrast in the story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom. John, like Jeremiah, spoke truth to power, calling Herod to account for his sinful actions. Despite knowing the danger, John remained steadfast in his conviction, and his integrity ultimately cost him his life. This story challenges us to examine our own willingness to stand up for what is right, even when it comes at a personal cost. Herod’s fear of losing face and his willingness to break his oath to please others reveal the destructive power of pride and cowardice.
Both readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Like Jeremiah, we are called to be courageous in sharing God’s truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Like John the Baptist, we are reminded that integrity and fidelity to God’s will may lead us to face challenges, but they are the foundation of a life lived with purpose and meaning. Let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult? Do we trust in God’s presence and protection as we navigate the trials of life? May we draw strength from these examples and strive to live with the courage and integrity they inspire.