Daily Readings - Tue Apr 12 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of trust, mission, and the mysterious ways of God’s providence. In the first reading from Isaiah, the prophet speaks as the servant of the Lord, expressing both his struggles and his ultimate trust in God’s plan. Despite feeling that his efforts have been in vain, the servant is reminded that his mission is not limited to Israel but extends to the Gentiles, making him a light to the nations. This passage emphasizes that our work, even when it seems futile, is part of a larger divine plan that only God can fully understand.
In the Gospel, Jesus reveals to his disciples that one of them will betray him, and he identifies Judas as the one who will carry out this act. While the disciples are confused and uncertain, Jesus remains calm, knowing that this betrayal is part of the plan that will lead to his glorification. Peter’s bold declaration to lay down his life for Jesus is met with a gentle correction, as Jesus predicts Peter’s denial. This passage reminds us that even in moments of failure or weakness, God’s plan unfolds in ways we cannot fully grasp. Like the servant in Isaiah, we are called to trust in God’s providence, even when the path ahead seems dark or uncertain.
These readings challenge us to embrace our own missions with faith and perseverance. Like the servant and like Peter, we may stumble or feel that our efforts are in vain, but God’s plan is always greater than our limited understanding. Let us trust in God’s timing and providence, knowing that our lives are part of a larger story of salvation. May we, like Jesus, surrender to the Father’s will, even when it leads us through difficult or unexpected paths. In doing so, we become instruments of God’s light and love in a world that so desperately needs it.