Daily Readings - Sat Mar 17 2018

First Reading - Jeremiah 11.18-20

¹⁸But you, O Lord, have revealed this to me, and I have understood. Then you displayed their efforts to me¹⁹And I was like a meek lamb, who is being carried to be a victim. And I did not realize that they had devised plans against me, saying: "Let us place wood upon his bread, and let us eradicate him from the land of the living, and let his name no longer be remembered.²⁰But you, O Lord of hosts, who judges justly, and who tests the temperament and the heart, let me see your vengeance against them. For I have revealed my case to you

Gospel - John 7.40-53

John

Chapter 7

⁴⁰Therefore, some from that crowd, when they had heard these words of his, were saying, "This one truly is the Prophet.⁴¹Others were saying, "He is the Christ." Yet certain ones were saying: "Does the Christ come from Galilee⁴²Does Scripture not say that the Christ comes from the offspring of David and from Bethlehem, the town where David was?⁴³And so there arose a dissension among the multitude because of him⁴⁴Now certain ones among them wanted to apprehend him, but no one laid hands upon him⁴⁵Therefore, the attendants went to the high priests and the Pharisees. And they said to them, "Why have you not brought him?⁴⁶The attendants responded, "Never has a man spoken like this man.⁴⁷And so the Pharisees answered them: "Have you also been seduced⁴⁸Have any of the leaders believed in him, or any of the Pharisees⁴⁹But this crowd, which does not know the law, they are accursed.⁵⁰Nicodemus, the one who came to him by night and who was one of them, said to them⁵¹"Does our law judge a man, unless it has first heard him and has known what he has done?⁵²They responded and said to him: "Are you also a Galilean? Study the Scriptures, and see that a prophet does not arise from Galilee.⁵³And each one returned to his own house

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on trust, faith, and the challenges of living according to God's will. The first reading from Jeremiah portrays the prophet as a meek lamb, unaware of the plots against him, yet trusting in God's justice. Jeremiah's situation mirrors the struggles of many prophets in the Old Testament, who faced opposition for their unwavering commitment to God's message. This passage underscores Jeremiah's deep trust in God, even when faced with adversity, highlighting his reliance on divine justice rather than human understanding. The Gospel reading from John presents a scene of division and skepticism surrounding Jesus. Some recognize Him as the Prophet or the Christ, while others question His origins. The Pharisees and authorities dismiss Him, even mocking those who believe. Nicodemus, a secret follower, courageously questions the rush to judgment, advocating for a fair hearing. This narrative illustrates the tension between belief and unbelief, as well as the conflict between Jesus' message and the religious establishment. It serves as a reminder of the challenges of standing up for one's faith in the face of opposition. These readings connect through their themes of trust and faith amidst adversity. Jeremiah's trust in God's justice and Jesus' steadfast commitment to His mission, despite skepticism, encourage us to remain faithful in our own challenges. In our daily lives, we may face similar trials—whether societal pressures, personal doubts, or misunderstandings. The readings urge us to trust in God's plan and to stand firm in our beliefs, even when others do not understand. Let us draw strength from these examples, maintaining our faith and trusting in God's justice, even when the path is uncertain.