Daily Readings - Sat Aug 29 2020
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 profound narratives that invite us to reflect on courage and faith in the face of adversity. The first reading from Jeremiah describes the prophet's divine commission, where God strengthens him to speak truth without fear, likening him to a fortified city. Jeremiah is assured of God's presence and protection amidst opposition. The Gospel, from Mark, recounts the tragic death of John the Baptist, who faced martyrdom for upholding God's truth against Herod's immoral actions. Despite Herod's internal conflict, John's unwavering commitment to justice led to his demise, yet his disciples' faith endured as they honored his memory.
Both readings highlight the theme of standing firm in one's faith despite formidable challenges. Jeremiah and John exemplify courage, trusting in God's plan even when faced with hostility. Their stories remind us that speaking truth can lead to opposition, but it is in these moments that our faith is tested and refined. The courage they displayed was not born of personal strength but of their trust in God's presence and guidance.
As we apply these lessons to our lives, we are encouraged to embrace our own challenges with faith. Whether in personal struggles or societal injustices, we are called to stand up for what is right, just as Jeremiah and John did. Their examples teach us that true courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act in faith, trusting that God is with us. Let us, therefore, face each day with the confidence that comes from knowing God's presence, and may we, like these prophets, remain steadfast in our commitment to truth and justice.