Daily Readings - Thu Aug 29 2019
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 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 divine commission to speak God’s truth without fear, assured of His protection. Jeremiah is reminded that he is strengthened by the Lord to face the challenges of his mission. The Gospel, from Mark, presents a stark contrast with the tragic story of John the Baptist, who loses his life for speaking truth to power. Herod, swayed by his own desires and pressured by those around him, ultimately yields to the deceitful request of Herodias and orders John’s execution. These readings invite us to consider the importance of living with integrity and the courage required to stand firm in the face of adversity.
The context of these readings reveals the broader theme of prophetic witness. Jeremiah is called by God to speak to a people in crisis, urging them to return to the Lord. His mission is not an easy one, as he will face resistance and opposition, but God assures him of His presence and strength. Similarly, John the Baptist in the Gospel is a prophet who confronts sin and injustice, even when it involves those in power. His unwavering commitment to truth leads to his martyrdom, but it also underscores the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil. Together, these readings remind us that following Christ requires us to live with courage and conviction, even when it means facing difficult choices or challenges.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine our own commitment to living according to God’s truth. How often do we compromise our values or remain silent in the face of wrongdoing because it is uncomfortable or inconvenient? The examples of Jeremiah and John the Baptist remind us that true discipleship requires us to speak and act with integrity, trusting in God’s grace to guide and protect us. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to stand up for what is right, even if it means facing opposition? How can I grow in courage and faith to fulfill my own mission as a follower of Christ? May we, like Jeremiah and John, find the strength to live with integrity and to bear witness to the truth, no matter the cost.