Daily Readings - Wed Mar 13 2024
Isaiah
8Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;9That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.10They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.11And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.12Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.13Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.14But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.15Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.
John
16And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.17But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.18Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.19Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.20For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.21For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.25Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;27And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.28Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.30I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful expressions of God’s love, hope, and the profound unity between the Father and the Son. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of God’s covenant with his people, offering comfort and restoration to those who are suffering. The prophet describes a time when the scattered and oppressed will be gathered, fed, and led to freedom, emphasizing God’s unwavering care for his people. Even when Zion feels abandoned, God assures her that his love is unshakable, comparing it to a mother’s love for her child—a love that endures even when human love may fail.
In the Gospel, Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ accusations by revealing the deep unity he shares with the Father. He explains that his works are not his own but reflect the Father’s will, and he emphasizes that the Father has entrusted him with the power to give life and judgment. Jesus makes it clear that his authority comes from the Father, and to honor the Son is to honor the Father. This passage reminds us that Jesus’ words and actions are not just those of a human teacher but of the divine Son, who brings life and light to all who believe in him.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on the nature of God’s love and the divine mission of Jesus. Isaiah reminds us that God’s love is always active, seeking to restore and renew his people, even in the darkest times. John’s Gospel calls us to recognize Jesus as the source of life and truth, and to trust in his union with the Father. In our daily lives, we are challenged to live with hope, trusting in God’s providence, and to honor Jesus as the one who brings us from death to life. May we, like the people in Isaiah’s vision, hear the voice of the Lord and follow him with faith, knowing that his love and care for us will never fail.