Daily Mass Readings – Sunday, 20 August 2028

4 And the princes said to the king: We beseech thee that this man may be put to death: for on purpose he weakeneth the hands of the men of war, that remain in this city, and the hands of the people, speaking to them according to these words: for this man seeketh not peace to this people, but evil.

5 And king Sedecias said: Behold he is in your hands: for it is not lawful for the king to deny you any thing.

6 Then they took Jeremias and cast him into the dungeon of Melchias the son of Amelech, which was in the entry of the prison: and they let down Jeremias by ropes into the dungeon, wherein there was no water, but mire. And Jeremias sunk into the mire.

8 And Abdemelech went out of the king’s house, and spoke to the king, saying:

9 My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done against Jeremias the prophet, casting him into the dungeon to die there with hunger, for there is no more bread in the city.

10 Then the king commanded Abdemelech the Ethiopian, saying: Take from hence thirty men with thee, and draw up Jeremias the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.

R. (14b) Lord, come to my aid!

2 With expectation I have waited for the Lord, and he was attentive to me.

R. Lord, come to my aid!

3 And he heard my prayers, and brought me out of the pit of misery and the mire of dregs. And he set my feet upon a rock, and directed my steps.

R. Lord, come to my aid!

4 And he put a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God. Many shall see, and shall fear: and they shall hope in the Lord.

R. Lord, come to my aid!

18 But I am a beggar and poor: the Lord is careful for me. Thou art my helper and my protector: O my God, be not slack.

R. Lord, come to my aid!

1 And therefore we also having so great a cloud of witnesses over our head, laying aside every weight and sin which surrounds us, let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us:

2 Looking on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, who having joy set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and now sitteth on the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For think diligently upon him that endured such opposition from sinners against himself; that you be not wearied, fainting in your minds.

4 For you have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin:

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

27 My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

49 I am come to cast fire on the earth; and what will I, but that it be kindled?

50 And I have a baptism wherewith I am to be baptized: and how am I straitened until it be accomplished?

51 Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.

52 For there shall be from henceforth five in one house divided: three against two, and two against three.

53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against his father, the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother, the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Jeremiah is thrown into the mire because his truthful words are judged harmful, while the king yields to those demanding his death. Yet God does not abandon him. Through the courage of another servant, Jeremiah is lifted from the pit. The psalm gives voice to this rescue: the Lord hears the cry of the poor, sets their feet on rock, and gives them a new song.

Jesus speaks of bringing fire to the earth and of a baptism he must endure. His mission will expose hearts and bring division, even within families, because fidelity to God cannot always preserve an outward peace. The Letter to the Hebrews shows how to remain faithful when opposition becomes painful: keep our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross and did not grow weary. Christian discipleship may require us to stand with truth when it is misunderstood or costly. We need neither seek conflict nor fear it when faithfulness brings it. The Lord who rescued Jeremiah and strengthened Christ through suffering can steady us too, helping us lay aside sin, endure patiently, and remain rooted in the truth.

Lord Jesus, kindle in us the fire of faithful love. When truth is resisted or obedience becomes costly, keep us from fear, bitterness, and the desire to answer evil with evil. Fix our eyes on you, who endured the cross with steadfast trust in the Father. Lift us from every pit of discouragement and set our feet upon the rock of your word. Give us courage to speak honestly, patience to persevere, and humility to seek peace without abandoning what is right. May our fidelity bear witness to your mercy and lead others to hope in you. Amen.