August 3rd, 2004, Saturday of the 17th week in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

The priests and prophets said to the princes and to all the people,

This man deserves death.

He has prophesied against this city as you have heard with your own ears.

Jeremiah gave this answer to the princes and all the people.

It was the Lord who sent me to prophesy against this house and city all that you have heard.

Now therefore reform your ways and your deeds.

Listen to the voice of the Lord your God,

so that the Lord will repent of the evil with which he threatens you. As for me, I am in your hands. Do with me what you think good and right.

But Mark Well, if you put me to death, it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves on on this city, and its citizens. For in truth,

it was the Lord who sent me to you to speak all these things for you to hear. Thereupon the

princes and all the people, said to the priests and the prophets, this man does not deserve death.

It is in the name of the Lord our God that he speaks to us.

So a Heikam, son of Shafan, protected Jeremiah so that he was not handed over to the people

to be put to death. The word of the Lord. The Responsorial Psalm. The response is, Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Rescue me out of the mire, may I not sink. May I be rescued from my foes and from the watery depths.

Let not the floodwaters overwhelm me, nor the abyss swallow me up, nor the pit close its

mouth over me.

Lord, in your great love, answer me.

But I am afflicted and in pain.

Let your saving help, O God, protect me.

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