Daily Readings - Sun Apr 13 2025
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.
Philippians
6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Luke
1And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.2And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.3And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.4Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.5And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.6When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.7And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.8And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.9Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.10And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.11And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.12And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.13And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,14Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:15No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.16I will therefore chastise him, and release him.17For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)18And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:19Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)20Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.21But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.22And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.23And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.24And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.25And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.26And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.27And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.28But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.29For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.30Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.31For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?32And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.33And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.35And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.36And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,37And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.38And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.46And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.47Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.48And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.49And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on humility, suffering, and the ultimate triumph of God’s plan. The first reading from Isaiah presents the figure of the Suffering Servant, who endures persecution and humiliation with unwavering trust in God. Despite being struck and reviled, the Servant does not turn away, for he knows that God is his helper. This passage, written centuries before Christ, foreshadows the Passion of Jesus, highlighting the deep connection between suffering and redemption.
The second reading from Philippians offers a theological reflection on the humility of Christ. Paul describes how Jesus, though divine, emptied himself and took on human form, becoming obedient even to death on the Cross. This act of self-emptying love is not just a gesture of humility but a revelation of God’s nature. Through his obedience, Jesus is exalted, and every knee shall bend at the name of Jesus. This passage reminds us that true greatness lies in humility and surrender to God’s will.
In the Gospel, Luke’s account of the Passion vividly portrays Jesus’ silence, forgiveness, and trust in the Father amidst immense suffering. From the false accusations before Pilate to the mockery on the Cross, Jesus remains steadfast in his mission. His words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” reveal the depth of his mercy. Even in death, Jesus offers hope to the repentant thief, promising paradise. This narrative invites us to reflect on how we respond to suffering and injustice in our own lives.
These readings call us to embrace humility and trust in God’s plan, even when it leads us through trials. Like the Suffering Servant and Christ himself, we are invited to endure hardships with patience and faith, knowing that God’s glory will ultimately be revealed. In our daily lives, we are challenged to imitate Jesus’ forgiveness and mercy, even in the face of adversity. Let us ask for the grace to follow in his footsteps, trusting that our struggles, like his, will lead to resurrection and new life.