Daily Readings - Wed Apr 08 2020
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 two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on trust and betrayal, themes that resonate deeply in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Isaiah presents a servant who embodies unwavering trust in God, enduring suffering with resilience. Despite facing mistreatment, the servant remains steadfast, trusting in God’s providence. This passage underscores the servant’s role as a symbol of faith and endurance, highlighting the importance of trusting God even amidst adversity.
In contrast, the Gospel from Matthew narrates the poignant story of Judas’s betrayal of Jesus. This passage reveals not only the darkness of betrayal but also Jesus’s unwavering commitment to His mission. The Last Supper, a moment of profound intimacy, is overshadowed by the announcement of betrayal, yet Jesus remains resolute. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of distrust and the human capacity for both good and evil.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with trust and betrayal. Like the servant in Isaiah, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when faced with challenges. Conversely, Judas’s story warns us against the dangers of allowing doubt and self-interest to guide our actions. In our daily lives, we face choices that test our faith and loyalty. Will we choose to trust in God’s providence, or will we succumb to fear and doubt?
As we navigate life’s trials, let us draw inspiration from the servant’s example, trusting in God’s presence and guidance. May we also learn from Judas’s mistake, recognizing the importance of remaining faithful and true to our commitments. In moments of uncertainty, let us turn to prayer, seeking the strength to follow Jesus’s example of love and trust. Through this reflection, may we deepen our trust in God and strive to live with integrity and faith, avoiding the pitfalls of betrayal and choosing instead the path of unwavering commitment to our Lord.