Daily Readings - Wed Apr 08 2020
Isaiah
4The Lord has given me a learned tongue, so that I would know how to uphold with a word, one who has weakened. He rises in the morning, he rises to my ear in the morning, so that I may heed him like a teacher5The Lord God has opened my ear. And I do not contradict him. I have not turned back6I have given my body to those who strike me, and my cheeks to those who plucked them. I have not averted my face from those who rebuked me and who spit on me7The Lord God is my helper. Therefore, I have not been confounded. Therefore, I have set my face like a very hard rock, and I know that I will not be confounded8He who justifies me is near. Who will speak against me? Let us stand together. Who is my adversary? Let him approach me9Behold, the Lord God is my helper. Who is the one who would condemn me? Behold, they will all be worn away like a garment; the moth will devour them
Matthew
14Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the leaders of the priests15and he said to them, "What are you willing to give me, if I hand him over to you?" So they appointed thirty pieces of silver for him16And from then on, he sought an opportunity to betray him17Then, on the first day of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus, saying, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?18So Jesus said, "Go into the city, to a certain one, and say to him: ‘The Teacher said: My time is near. I am observing the Passover with you, along with my disciples.’ 19And the disciples did just as Jesus appointed to them. And they prepared the Passover20Then, when evening arrived, he sat at table with his twelve disciples21And while they were eating, he said: "Amen I say to you, that one of you is about to betray me.22And being greatly saddened, each one of them began to say, "Surely, it is not I, Lord?23But he responded by saying: "He who dips his hand with me into the dish, the same will betray me24Indeed, the Son of man goes, just as it has been written about him. But woe to that man by whom the Son of man will be betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had not been born.25Then Judas, who betrayed him, responded by saying, "Surely, it is not I, Master?" He said to him, "You have said it.26Now while they were eating the meal, Jesus took bread, and he blessed and broke and gave it to his disciples, and he said: "Take and eat. This is my body.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on trust and betrayal, themes that resonate deeply in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Isaiah presents a servant who embodies unwavering trust in God, enduring suffering with resilience. Despite facing mistreatment, the servant remains steadfast, trusting in God’s providence. This passage underscores the servant’s role as a symbol of faith and endurance, highlighting the importance of trusting God even amidst adversity.
In contrast, the Gospel from Matthew narrates the poignant story of Judas’s betrayal of Jesus. This passage reveals not only the darkness of betrayal but also Jesus’s unwavering commitment to His mission. The Last Supper, a moment of profound intimacy, is overshadowed by the announcement of betrayal, yet Jesus remains resolute. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of distrust and the human capacity for both good and evil.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with trust and betrayal. Like the servant in Isaiah, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when faced with challenges. Conversely, Judas’s story warns us against the dangers of allowing doubt and self-interest to guide our actions. In our daily lives, we face choices that test our faith and loyalty. Will we choose to trust in God’s providence, or will we succumb to fear and doubt?
As we navigate life’s trials, let us draw inspiration from the servant’s example, trusting in God’s presence and guidance. May we also learn from Judas’s mistake, recognizing the importance of remaining faithful and true to our commitments. In moments of uncertainty, let us turn to prayer, seeking the strength to follow Jesus’s example of love and trust. Through this reflection, may we deepen our trust in God and strive to live with integrity and faith, avoiding the pitfalls of betrayal and choosing instead the path of unwavering commitment to our Lord.