Daily Readings - Wed Mar 28 2018
Isaiah
4The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.5The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.6I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.7But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.8He who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me.9Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.
Matthew
14Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests15and said, "What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.16And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.17Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?"18He said, "Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, 'The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.'"19And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.20When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve.21And as they were eating, he said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me."22And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, "Is it I, Lord?"23He answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me.24The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born."25Judas, who would betray him, answered, "Is it I, Rabbi?" He said to him, "You have said so."26Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound themes of suffering, betrayal, and redemption. The first reading from Isaiah portrays a figure who, despite facing adversity, remains steadfast in his mission, trusting in God's guidance and support. This figure, often seen as a prefiguration of Christ, embodies the willingness to endure hardship for a greater purpose. The second reading from Matthew recounts the events leading to Jesus's crucifixion, highlighting Judas's betrayal and the institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper. These narratives intertwine, illustrating the contrast between betrayal and selfless love.
The context of Isaiah's passage is rooted in the "Suffering Servant" songs, which symbolize a figure who bears the sins of others through voluntary suffering. This is mirrored in Matthew's account, where Jesus, aware of the impending betrayal, chooses to endure it for the salvation of humanity. Both readings emphasize trust in divine providence and the transformative power of suffering.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we face trials and betrayals. Like the Suffering Servant, we can trust in God's plan, even amidst challenges. The moral lesson here is one of selfless love and forgiveness. Just as Jesus forgave Judas, we are called to forgive others and seek forgiveness for our own shortcomings. Let us strive to emulate Christ's example, offering our struggles as acts of love and seeking to deepen our relationship with God through trust and humility.