Daily Readings - Wed Apr 05 2023
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 trust, betrayal, and divine providence. The first reading from Isaiah portrays a figure who, despite suffering and mockery, remains steadfast in his faith, trusting in the Lord’s guidance and deliverance. This figure, often seen as a prefiguration of Christ, exemplifies unwavering commitment to God’s will, even in the face of adversity. The Gospel reading from Matthew narrates the events of the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the Eucharist, symbolizing His body given for humanity. This sacred moment is overshadowed by Judas’s betrayal, highlighting the contrast between divine love and human frailty.
The context of Isaiah’s passage is rooted in the “Suffering Servant” songs, which foreshadow the redemption through suffering. Similarly, Matthew’s account sets the stage for Jesus’s Passion, illustrating His acceptance of His fate. Both readings underscore the theme of trust in God amidst suffering and betrayal, linking the prophet’s faith with Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own trials and how we face them. Like the prophet, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when circumstances seem bleak. The Eucharist, as instituted by Jesus, serves as a source of strength and unity, reminding us of God’s enduring love. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God’s providence and find solace in the Eucharist, especially when facing life’s challenges. Let us strive to emulate this trust, knowing that through our faith, we can overcome any adversity.