Daily Readings - Tue Apr 04 2023
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
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on divine purpose and human response. The first reading from Isaiah presents the figure of the servant of the Lord, who, despite feeling that his efforts are in vain, is reminded that his mission is not limited to Israel but extends to the Gentiles as a light of salvation. This servant embodies trust in God’s plan, even when the results seem uncertain. The Gospel from John shifts the focus to the intimate moment of the Last Supper, where Jesus reveals that one of his closest disciples will betray him. This moment of sorrow is followed by Peter’s bold pledge of loyalty, which Jesus gently tempers with the prediction of Peter’s denial. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and the challenges of living out our calling.
The context of Isaiah’s prophecy is one of hope amidst exile and despair. The servant’s song reassures Israel that God’s plan is not confined to their immediate circumstances but extends to the entire world. Similarly, in John’s Gospel, Jesus is preparing his disciples for the events that will unfold, emphasizing that his glory is intertwined with the Father’s. Both readings highlight the tension between human limitations and divine providence. Isaiah’s servant and Peter, in their own ways, struggle with doubt and failure, yet they are called to trust in God’s larger plan.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that our faith is not about achieving perfection or avoiding setbacks. Like the servant and Peter, we are called to trust in God’s purpose, even when our efforts seem futile or when we stumble. The moral lesson here is one of perseverance and humility. We are not defined by our failures but by our willingness to return to God and continue walking in faith. Let us ask for the grace to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear, and to remain loyal to our calling, knowing that God’s glory is revealed in our weaknesses.