Daily Readings - Mon Apr 15 2019
Isaiah
1Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.2He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street;3a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.4He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.5Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:6"I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations,7to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
John
1Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.2So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at the table.3Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said,5"Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?"6He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.7Jesus said, "Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.8The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."9When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.10So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well,11because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on service, love, and the divine plan. The first reading from Isaiah introduces us to the figure of the suffering servant, chosen by God to bring justice and light to the nations. This servant, humble and gentle, will not break the bruised reed or extinguish the smoldering wick, symbolizing his compassion and care for the vulnerable. Isaiah’s prophecy points to a Messiah who will lead with truth and hope, even in darkness.
The Gospel from John presents us with a vivid scene of love and betrayal. Mary’s anointing of Jesus with precious ointment is an act of profound devotion, preparing him for his burial. While Judas objects, focusing on material concerns, Jesus defends Mary’s gesture, emphasizing that her love is a testament to his impending sacrifice. This moment highlights the contrast between worldly priorities and the selfless love that defines God’s plan.
These readings remind us that our faith calls us to embody humility and compassion. Like the suffering servant, we are invited to serve others gently and bring light to those in darkness. Like Mary, we are called to express our love for God generously, even in the face of criticism or misunderstanding. Let us reflect on how we can live out these values in our daily lives, trusting in God’s plan and offering our own acts of love and service to others.