Daily Readings - Tue Apr 15 2025
Isaiah
1Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.2He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.3And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified."4But I said, "I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the LORD, and my recompense with my God."5And now the LORD says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him--for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and my God has become my strength--6he says: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
John
21After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, "Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me."22The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke.23One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table close to Jesus,24so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking.25So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, "Lord, who is it?"26Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.27Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly."28Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him.29Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor.30So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.31When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.32If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once.33Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, 'Where I am going you cannot come.'36Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward."37Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."38Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound themes of divine calling and the challenges inherent in following God's will. The first reading from Isaiah presents the prophet as a servant called by God from birth, entrusted with the mission to restore Israel and be a light to the Gentiles. Despite his initial doubts and sense of futility, Isaiah comes to understand the glory of his mission, recognizing that his true judgment and strength come from the Lord. This passage is part of the "Servant Songs," which emphasize the servant's obedience, humility, and ultimate triumph through suffering.
The Gospel from John shifts our focus to the Last Supper, where Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. This moment of sorrow and tension is met with confusion and concern among the disciples, particularly Peter, who seeks clarity and expresses his willingness to lay down his life for Jesus. Jesus, however, cautions Peter about the challenges ahead, foretelling his denial and the ultimate separation that must occur before true union can be achieved. This passage underscores the complexities of discipleship and the necessity of trusting in God's plan, even when it leads to darkness and uncertainty.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own vocations and the challenges we face in living out our faith. Like Isaiah, we may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or doubt, but we are reminded that our true strength comes from God. Like Peter, we may express bold commitments, but we must also confront our limitations and learn to trust in God's timing and plan. These readings call us to embrace our missions with humility, perseverance, and faith, knowing that even in the midst of trials, God is glorified and our ultimate union with him is assured. Let us strive to follow Jesus' example, accepting the crosses we bear and trusting in the promise of eternal life.