Daily Readings - Fri Aug 29 2025
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 invite us to reflect on the courage required to stand for truth and justice. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet being commissioned by God to speak boldly to a people who have turned away from Him. God assures Jeremiah that He will strengthen him, making him as unyielding as an iron pillar and a bronze wall, despite the opposition he will face. This passage emphasizes God’s unwavering support for those He calls to serve as His messengers.
The Gospel from Mark presents a stark contrast with the tragic story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom. John, like Jeremiah, spoke truth to power, condemning Herod’s unlawful marriage to Herodias. His unwavering commitment to justice ultimately led to his execution, orchestrated by Herodias through her daughter. This narrative reminds us that standing up for what is right can come at a great personal cost, yet it is a testament to the integrity and courage that define a life lived in fidelity to God’s will.
These readings challenge us to reflect on our own lives. How often do we find ourselves tempted to remain silent in the face of injustice or compromise our values to avoid conflict? Jeremiah and John the Baptist teach us that true discipleship requires courage and a willingness to confront sin, even when it is uncomfortable or dangerous. As we navigate the complexities of our own world, may we draw strength from God’s promise to Jeremiah: “I am with you to deliver you.” Let us pray for the grace to speak truth with love and to trust in God’s presence, especially when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult.