Daily Readings - Tue Mar 30 2021
Isaiah
1Pay attention, you islands, and listen closely, you far away peoples. The Lord has called me from the womb; from the womb of my mother, he has been mindful of my name2And he has appointed my mouth as a sharp sword. In the shadow of his hand, he has protected me. And he has appointed me as an elect arrow. In his quiver, he has hidden me3And he has said to me: "You are my servant, Israel. For in you, I will glory.4And I said: "I have labored toward emptiness. I have consumed my strength without purpose and in vain. Therefore, my judgment is with the Lord, and my work is with my God.5And now, says the Lord, who formed me from the womb as his servant, so that I may bring back Jacob to him, for Israel will not be gathered together, but I have been glorified in the eyes of the Lord and my God has become my strength6and so he has said: "It is a small thing that you should be my servant so as to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and so as to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold, I have offered you as a light for the Gentiles, so that you may be my salvation, even to the furthest regions of the earth.
John
21When Jesus had said these things, he was troubled in spirit. And he bore witness by saying: "Amen, amen, I say to you, that one among you shall betray me.22Therefore, the disciples looked around at one another, uncertain about whom he spoke23And leaning against the bosom of Jesus was one of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved24Therefore, Simon Peter motioned to this one and said to him, "Who is it that he is speaking about?25And so, leaning against the chest of Jesus, he said to him, "Lord, who is it?26Jesus responded, "It is he to whom I shall extend the dipped bread." And when he had dipped the bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon27And after the morsel, Satan entered into him. And Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly.28Now none of those sitting at table knew why he had said this to him29For some were thinking that, because Judas held the purse, that Jesus had told him, "Buy those things which are needed by us for the feast day," or that he might give something to the needy30Therefore, having accepted the morsel, he went out immediately. And it was night31Then, when he had gone out, Jesus said: "Now the Son of man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him32If God has been glorified in him, then God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him without delay33Little sons, for a brief while, I am with you. You shall seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you are not able to go,’ so also I say to you now36Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus responded: "Where I am going, you are not able to follow me now. But you shall follow afterward.37Peter said to him: "Why am I unable to follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!38Jesus answered him: "You will lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the rooster will not crow, until you deny me three times.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the mystery of God’s plan and the human response to it. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear the voice of the servant of the Lord, who expresses both frustration and trust. Despite feeling that his efforts have been in vain, he clings to the assurance that his judgment and work are in God’s hands. This servant is not just an individual but a symbol of Israel’s mission to bring light to the nations. The passage reminds us that our struggles and doubts are not signs of failure but opportunities to deepen our trust in God’s providence.
In the Gospel, we witness the dramatic moment of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. Jesus, aware of what is about to unfold, remains calm and steadfast, even as he shares a final meal with his disciples. This scene highlights the tension between love and betrayal, faith and failure. Peter’s bold declaration to lay down his life for Jesus contrasts sharply with his later denial, revealing the fragility of human resolve. Yet, even in the midst of betrayal and denial, Jesus speaks of glorification—his own and that of the Father. This paradox underscores the deeper truth that God’s glory is often revealed in the darkest moments.
These readings call us to embrace the mystery of faith in our own lives. Like the servant in Isaiah, we may feel that our efforts are unnoticed or ineffective, but we are reminded that our work is in God’s hands. Like Peter, we may stumble and fail, but God’s plan is not derailed by our weaknesses. The key is to trust in God’s timing and purposes, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Let us strive to remain faithful, knowing that our struggles and imperfections are part of the larger story of God’s redemption. In the end, it is not our strength but God’s grace that will bring light to the world.