Daily Readings - Tue Apr 15 2025
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 themes of divine calling and the challenges inherent in following God's will. The first reading from Isaiah presents the prophet as a servant called by God from birth, entrusted with the mission to restore Israel and be a light to the Gentiles. Despite his initial doubts and sense of futility, Isaiah comes to understand the glory of his mission, recognizing that his true judgment and strength come from the Lord. This passage is part of the "Servant Songs," which emphasize the servant's obedience, humility, and ultimate triumph through suffering.
The Gospel from John shifts our focus to the Last Supper, where Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. This moment of sorrow and tension is met with confusion and concern among the disciples, particularly Peter, who seeks clarity and expresses his willingness to lay down his life for Jesus. Jesus, however, cautions Peter about the challenges ahead, foretelling his denial and the ultimate separation that must occur before true union can be achieved. This passage underscores the complexities of discipleship and the necessity of trusting in God's plan, even when it leads to darkness and uncertainty.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own vocations and the challenges we face in living out our faith. Like Isaiah, we may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or doubt, but we are reminded that our true strength comes from God. Like Peter, we may express bold commitments, but we must also confront our limitations and learn to trust in God's timing and plan. These readings call us to embrace our missions with humility, perseverance, and faith, knowing that even in the midst of trials, God is glorified and our ultimate union with him is assured. Let us strive to follow Jesus' example, accepting the crosses we bear and trusting in the promise of eternal life.