Daily Readings - Wed Jul 29 2020
Jeremiah
10Alas, my mother, that you gave me birth, a man with whom the whole land strives and contends! I have neither lent nor borrowed, yet everyone curses me.16When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.17I never sat in the company of revelers, never made merry with them; I sat alone because your hand was on me and you had filled me with indignation.18Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? Will you be to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails?19Therefore this is what the LORD says: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.20I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you," declares the LORD.21"I will save you from the hands of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel."
Gospel - John 11.17-27 or Luke 10.38-42
John
17On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.18Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem,19and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died.22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."24Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
Luke
38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound expressions of faith amidst adversity. The prophet Jeremiah voices his sorrow and isolation, feeling the weight of his mission as he faces opposition and threats. Despite his struggles, he clings to God's promise of redemption and the strength to fulfill his role as a mouthpiece for the divine. In the Gospel, Martha, grieving the loss of her brother Lazarus, expresses her unwavering faith in Jesus's power, acknowledging Him as the Resurrection and Life. Her dialogue with Jesus highlights the transformative power of belief, even in the face of death.
Jeremiah's context is one of turmoil; as a prophet, he is called to deliver difficult messages, leading to isolation and persecution. His lament reflects the human struggle of feeling overwhelmed yet remaining faithful. Martha's situation is one of personal loss, yet her interaction with Jesus showcases her deep trust in His divine authority and the hope of eternal life. Both narratives illustrate the universal human experience of grappling with suffering while seeking solace in faith.
These readings remind us that faith is not about escaping hardship but navigating it with trust in God's plan. Jeremiah's perseverance and Martha's unwavering belief encourage us to hold onto faith during life's challenges. Jesus's declaration as the Resurrection and Life invites us to embrace the hope that transcends even death. As we face our own struggles, may we find strength in God's promises, trusting in His presence and plan, and may our faith be the cornerstone that sustains us through every trial.