Daily Readings - Wed Apr 13 2022
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 powerful themes of trust, betrayal, and the unwavering commitment to God's will. The first reading from Isaiah portrays the prophet as a figure of endurance and faith, who, despite suffering and humiliation, remains steadfast in his mission. Isaiah’s words echo his complete surrender to God, emphasizing that he does not turn away from the challenges set before him. This passage invites us to reflect on our own ability to trust in God’s plan, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or fraught with difficulty.
The Gospel from Matthew contrasts sharply with Isaiah’s unwavering faith, as it recounts the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. Judas’s willingness to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver reveals the darker aspects of human nature—self-interest and a lack of faith. Yet, even in this moment of betrayal, Jesus remains calm and resolute, fulfilling the will of the Father. The institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper serves as a profound act of love and sacrifice, reminding us of the depth of God’s love for us, even in the face of rejection.
These readings challenge us to examine our own hearts. Like Isaiah, are we willing to trust in God’s plan, even when it leads us through trials? And like Judas, do we allow our fears or selfish desires to lead us astray? Let us turn to Jesus, who in the face of betrayal, chose to give himself completely for our salvation. May we strive to imitate his fidelity and love, trusting in God’s providence and living with integrity in all we do.