Daily Readings - Wed Mar 20 2019
Jeremiah
18They said, "Come, let's make plans against Jeremiah; for the teaching of the law by the priest will not be lost, nor will counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophets. So come, let's attack him with our tongues and pay no attention to anything he says."19Listen to me, O LORD; hear what my accusers are saying!20Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember that I stood before you and spoke in their behalf to turn your wrath away from them.
Matthew
17Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them,18"We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death19and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"20Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.21"What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."22"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?We can," they answered.23Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.25Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound lessons on sacrifice, service, and trust in God’s plan. The first reading from Jeremiah depicts the prophet facing betrayal and persecution for speaking God’s truth. Despite the plot against him, Jeremiah trusts in God’s justice, exemplifying unwavering faith amidst adversity. In the Gospel, Jesus foretells His crucifixion and resurrection, embodying the ultimate act of self-giving love. When the mother of James and John seeks prominent positions for her sons, Jesus seizes the moment to teach His disciples about true leadership, emphasizing that greatness lies in serving others, not in power.
Both readings highlight the themes of sacrifice and service. Jeremiah’s suffering and Jesus’ crucifixion illustrate the cost of standing for truth and love. The connection between the readings lies in their emphasis on selflessness. Just as Jeremiah endures for a higher purpose, Jesus’ sacrifice redeems humanity. The disciples’ ambition prompts Jesus to redefine leadership as humility and service, a lesson that resonates with Jeremiah’s steadfast trust in God.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace sacrifice and service. We can apply this by putting others first, standing up for truth even in hardship, and trusting in God’s plan. The moral lesson is clear: true leadership and discipleship are rooted in humility and selflessness. Let us strive to follow Jesus’ example, trusting in God’s plan and serving others with love and humility.