Daily Readings - Wed Apr 13 2022
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 powerful themes of trust, betrayal, and the unwavering commitment to God's will. The first reading from Isaiah portrays the prophet as a figure of endurance and faith, who, despite suffering and humiliation, remains steadfast in his mission. Isaiah’s words echo his complete surrender to God, emphasizing that he does not turn away from the challenges set before him. This passage invites us to reflect on our own ability to trust in God’s plan, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or fraught with difficulty.
The Gospel from Matthew contrasts sharply with Isaiah’s unwavering faith, as it recounts the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. Judas’s willingness to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver reveals the darker aspects of human nature—self-interest and a lack of faith. Yet, even in this moment of betrayal, Jesus remains calm and resolute, fulfilling the will of the Father. The institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper serves as a profound act of love and sacrifice, reminding us of the depth of God’s love for us, even in the face of rejection.
These readings challenge us to examine our own hearts. Like Isaiah, are we willing to trust in God’s plan, even when it leads us through trials? And like Judas, do we allow our fears or selfish desires to lead us astray? Let us turn to Jesus, who in the face of betrayal, chose to give himself completely for our salvation. May we strive to imitate his fidelity and love, trusting in God’s providence and living with integrity in all we do.