Daily Readings - Wed Feb 28 2024
Jeremiah
18They said, "Come, let's make plans against Jeremiah; for the teaching of the law by the priest will not be lost, nor will counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophets. So come, let's attack him with our tongues and pay no attention to anything he says."19Listen to me, O LORD; hear what my accusers are saying!20Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember that I stood before you and spoke in their behalf to turn your wrath away from them.
Matthew
17Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them,18"We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death19and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"20Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.21"What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."22"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?We can," they answered.23Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.25Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound lessons on faith, adversity, and true greatness. The prophet Jeremiah, in the first reading, faces opposition from his own people who plot against him for his unwavering commitment to God’s message. Despite their malice, Jeremiah trusts in God’s justice, reminding us that even in the face of betrayal, our faith must remain steadfast. In the Gospel, Jesus predicts His Passion and resurrection, then teaches His disciples about humility and service. The mother of James and John seeks power for her sons, but Jesus uses this moment to redefine greatness, emphasizing that true leadership is found in serving others.
Both readings highlight the theme of opposition and redefinition. Jeremiah’s persecution underscores the cost of fidelity to God, while Jesus’ teachings challenge the disciples’ worldly ambitions. The context of Jeremiah’s time was one of impending judgment, yet he remained faithful, trusting in God’s plan. Similarly, Jesus, on the brink of His Passion, calls His followers to embrace a life of service, not power. These narratives remind us that our worth is not measured by earthly status but by our willingness to serve and trust in God’s providence.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to challenges and where we seek our validation. Like Jeremiah, we may face opposition for standing by our beliefs, but our trust in God’s plan must endure. Like the disciples, we may be tempted by earthly ambitions, but Jesus calls us to humility and service. The moral lesson is clear: true greatness lies in serving others and trusting God, even in adversity. Let us strive to live this out, finding strength in faith and joy in serving, reflecting God’s love in all we do.