Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 29, 2023
First Reading: Jeremiah 1.17-19
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.
Psalm 71
1In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.2Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me.3Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.4Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men.5For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.6From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you.7I have become like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.8My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.9Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.10For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together.11They say, "God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him."12Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to help me.13May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.14But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.15My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.16I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.17Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.18Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.19Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you?20Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.21You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.22I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.23My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you- I, whom you have redeemed.24My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion.
Gospel: Mark 6.17-29
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
The readings today present us with powerful examples of courage and conviction in the face of adversity. In the first reading, Jeremiah is called by God to be a prophet, and though he may feel inadequate, God strengthens him, saying, "I am with you to deliver you." Jeremiah is reminded that he is not alone in his mission; God will make him like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a brass wall. This image of strength and resilience is a reminder that when we are called to speak the truth, God equips us with the courage and perseverance we need. Jeremiah’s mission is not an easy one—he will face opposition and hostility—but God assures him that he will prevail.
In the Gospel, we see a very different kind of courage in the person of John the Baptist. John’s unwavering commitment to the truth leads him to confront Herod, the powerful ruler, about his sinful union with Herodias, his brother’s wife. John’s boldness comes at a great cost—Herodias devises a plan to kill him, and ultimately, John loses his life. Yet, even in death, John’s witness to the truth endures. His martyrdom is a testament to the idea that standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming power, is a fundamental act of faith. John’s courage is not about seeking recognition or reward but about remaining faithful to God’s will, no matter the cost.
These readings challenge us to reflect on our own lives. Are we willing to stand up for the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or difficult? Do we trust in God’s presence and strength when we face opposition? Jeremiah and John the Baptist show us that true courage is not about being fearless but about trusting in God’s promise to be with us. In our daily lives, we may not face the same dramatic challenges, but we are still called to speak the truth, to stand up for justice, and to live with integrity. Let us ask for the grace to be bold in our witness, to trust in God’s providence, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to doing what is right.