Daily Readings - Wed Apr 13 2022
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 powerful themes of trust, betrayal, and the unwavering commitment to God's will. The first reading from Isaiah portrays the prophet as a figure of endurance and faith, who, despite suffering and humiliation, remains steadfast in his mission. Isaiah’s words echo his complete surrender to God, emphasizing that he does not turn away from the challenges set before him. This passage invites us to reflect on our own ability to trust in God’s plan, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or fraught with difficulty.
The Gospel from Matthew contrasts sharply with Isaiah’s unwavering faith, as it recounts the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. Judas’s willingness to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver reveals the darker aspects of human nature—self-interest and a lack of faith. Yet, even in this moment of betrayal, Jesus remains calm and resolute, fulfilling the will of the Father. The institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper serves as a profound act of love and sacrifice, reminding us of the depth of God’s love for us, even in the face of rejection.
These readings challenge us to examine our own hearts. Like Isaiah, are we willing to trust in God’s plan, even when it leads us through trials? And like Judas, do we allow our fears or selfish desires to lead us astray? Let us turn to Jesus, who in the face of betrayal, chose to give himself completely for our salvation. May we strive to imitate his fidelity and love, trusting in God’s providence and living with integrity in all we do.