Daily Readings - Mon Aug 29 2022
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 highlight the themes of divine commission, courage, and the consequences of standing up for truth. The first reading from Jeremiah depicts the prophet being called by God to speak His words without fear, assured of divine protection and strength. Jeremiah is likened to a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall, symbolizing unwavering resilience against opposition. This passage underscores God’s empowerment of His messengers to deliver difficult truths, even in the face of adversity.
The Gospel reading from Mark presents a stark contrast with the tragic story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom. John, steadfast in his prophetic role, confronts Herod regarding his immoral marriage, leading to Herodias’s vengeance. Despite Herod’s internal conflict and fear of John’s righteousness, he succumbs to his oath and the pressures of his guests, resulting in John’s beheading. This narrative illustrates the ultimate sacrifice for truth and the complexities of human weakness in the face of moral challenges.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own commitment to living out our faith with integrity. Like Jeremiah, we are called to courageously share God’s message, trusting in His strength. John the Baptist’s example reminds us that standing up for what is right can lead to significant personal cost, yet it is in these moments that our faith is tested and refined. In our daily lives, we are challenged to embody this courage and integrity, whether in our personal relationships, workplaces, or communities. Let us pray for the grace to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God will provide the strength needed to face any trial, just as He did for Jeremiah and John.