Daily Readings - Tue Apr 16 2019
Isaiah
1Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.2And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;3And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.4Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.5And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
John
21When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.22Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.23Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.24Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.25He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?26Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.27And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.28Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.29For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.30He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.31Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.32If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.33Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.36Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.37Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.38Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on trust and mission. The first reading from Isaiah describes the prophet's divine call and mission to be a light to the Gentiles. Despite feelings of futility, Isaiah trusts in God's plan, emphasizing the universal scope of salvation. The Gospel from John presents a poignant scene where Jesus reveals Judas's betrayal and engages with Peter's loyalty, highlighting the challenges of discipleship and the ultimate trust required in following Christ.
Both readings intertwine themes of trust and mission. Isaiah's trust in God's plan, despite adversity, mirrors Jesus' acceptance of His Passion. The prophet's mission to the Gentiles foreshadows the universal mission of Christ's Church. Jesus' interaction with His disciples underscores the complexities of loyalty and betrayal, yet reinforces the necessity of faithfulness.
In our lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God's plan and our commitment to His mission. Like Isaiah, we may face challenges that test our faith, but trusting in God's providence guides us. Like Peter, we strive for loyalty, though we may falter. Let us embrace our mission with faith, trusting that God's plan unfolds even in darkness, and remain faithful in our discipleship, following Christ with courage and love.