Daily Readings - Tue Aug 29 2017

First Reading - Jeremiah 1.17-19

¹⁷Therefore, you should gird your waist, and rise up, and speak to them everything that I instruct you. You should not have dread before their face. For I will cause you to be unafraid of their countenance¹⁸For certainly, this day, I have made you like a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and a brass wall, over all the land, to the kings of Judah, to its leaders, and to the priests, and to the people of the land¹⁹And they will make war against you, but they will not prevail. For I am with you, says the Lord, so that I may free you.

Gospel - Mark 6.17-29

Mark

Chapter 6

¹⁷For Herod himself had sent to capture John, and had chained him in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip; for he had married her¹⁸For John was saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.¹⁹Now Herodias was devising treachery against him; and she wanted to kill him, but she was unable²⁰For Herod was apprehensive of John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and so he guarded him. And he heard that he was accomplishing many things, and so he listened to him willingly²¹And when an opportune time had arrived, Herod held a feast on his birthday, with the leaders, and the tribunes, and the first rulers of Galilee²²And when the daughter of the same Herodias had entered, and danced, and pleased Herod, along with those who were at table with him, the king said to the girl, "Request from me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.²³And he swore to her, "Anything that you request, I will give to you, even up to half my kingdom.²⁴And when she had gone out, she said to her mother, "What shall I request?" But her mother said, "The head of John the Baptist.²⁵And immediately, when she had entered with haste to the king, she petitioned him, saying: "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.²⁶And the king was greatly saddened. But because of his oath, and because of those who were sitting with him at table, he was not willing to disappoint her²⁷So, having sent an executioner, he instructed that his head be brought on a platter²⁸And he beheaded him in prison, and he brought his head on a platter. And he gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it her mother²⁹When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and they placed it in a tomb

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on courage, integrity, and the call to stand firm in our faith. The first reading from Jeremiah describes the prophet's commission by God, where he is instructed to speak without fear, assured of divine strength. Jeremiah is likened to a fortified city, emphasizing God's unwavering support. This passage underscores the theme of trust in God's providence, even when facing adversity. The Gospel from Mark presents a stark contrast with the story of John the Baptist's martyrdom. John's unwavering commitment to truth leads to his demise at the hands of Herod, who is swayed by the deceit of Herodias. This narrative highlights the consequences of speaking truth to power and the moral courage required to uphold righteousness, even in the face of death. Both readings remind us that our faith calls us to stand up for what is right, regardless of the challenges we may face. In our daily lives, we are often tempted to compromise our values for comfort or convenience. However, the examples of Jeremiah and John the Baptist teach us the importance of integrity and trust in God's presence. Let us draw strength from these stories, embracing the courage to live out our faith with authenticity and moral conviction.