Daily Readings - Mon Mar 26 2018
Isaiah
1"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.2He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.3A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;4he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope."5This is what God the LORD says- he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it:6"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,7to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
John
1Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.2Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.3Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,5"Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages. "6He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.7"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."9Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.10So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,11for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.
Sermon
The first reading from Isaiah presents a vision of God’s servant, a figure of humility and justice, who is chosen and upheld by God. This servant is not one who cries out or breaks the bruised reed, but one who gently leads forth judgment and brings light to the nations. The passage emphasizes the servant’s mission to open the eyes of the blind, free the captive, and bring hope to those in darkness. This is a prophecy of the Messiah, who will fulfill this mission with compassion and integrity.
In the Gospel, we see a vivid contrast between Mary’s extravagant act of love and Judas’ criticism of her generosity. Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly ointment, an act of devotion that prepares him for his burial. Judas, on the other hand, feigns concern for the poor but is actually motivated by his own greed. Jesus defends Mary, reminding us that while we can always serve the poor, we do not always have him physically present among us. This moment in Bethany is a turning point, as the raising of Lazarus has drawn attention to Jesus, and the religious leaders begin to plot against both Jesus and Lazarus.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to God’s presence in our lives. Mary’s actions show us the value of selfless love and surrender, while Judas’ reaction warns us against allowing our hearts to grow cold or selfish. Like the servant in Isaiah, we are called to be instruments of justice and light in the world, but this begins with a deep personal relationship with God. As we navigate our daily lives, may we choose to love extravagantly, serve humbly, and trust in God’s plan, even when the world around us seems to prefer darkness over light.