Daily Readings - Wed Apr 08 2020
Isaiah
4The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.5The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.6I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.7For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.8He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.9Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.
Matthew
14Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,15And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.16And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.17Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?18And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.19And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.20Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.21And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.22And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?23And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.24The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.25Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.26And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake 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.