Daily Readings - Tue Apr 15 2025
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
In today's readings, we encounter profound themes of divine calling and the challenges inherent in following God's will. The first reading from Isaiah presents the prophet as a servant called by God from birth, entrusted with the mission to restore Israel and be a light to the Gentiles. Despite his initial doubts and sense of futility, Isaiah comes to understand the glory of his mission, recognizing that his true judgment and strength come from the Lord. This passage is part of the "Servant Songs," which emphasize the servant's obedience, humility, and ultimate triumph through suffering.
The Gospel from John shifts our focus to the Last Supper, where Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. This moment of sorrow and tension is met with confusion and concern among the disciples, particularly Peter, who seeks clarity and expresses his willingness to lay down his life for Jesus. Jesus, however, cautions Peter about the challenges ahead, foretelling his denial and the ultimate separation that must occur before true union can be achieved. This passage underscores the complexities of discipleship and the necessity of trusting in God's plan, even when it leads to darkness and uncertainty.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own vocations and the challenges we face in living out our faith. Like Isaiah, we may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or doubt, but we are reminded that our true strength comes from God. Like Peter, we may express bold commitments, but we must also confront our limitations and learn to trust in God's timing and plan. These readings call us to embrace our missions with humility, perseverance, and faith, knowing that even in the midst of trials, God is glorified and our ultimate union with him is assured. Let us strive to follow Jesus' example, accepting the crosses we bear and trusting in the promise of eternal life.