Daily Readings - Wed Mar 28 2018
Isaiah
4The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.5The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back.6I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.7Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.8He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me!9It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who is he that will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.
Matthew
14Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests15and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.16From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.17On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"18He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'"19So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.20When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.21And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me."22They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?"23Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.24The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."25Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?" Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you."26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound themes of suffering, betrayal, and redemption. The first reading from Isaiah portrays a figure who, despite facing adversity, remains steadfast in his mission, trusting in God's guidance and support. This figure, often seen as a prefiguration of Christ, embodies the willingness to endure hardship for a greater purpose. The second reading from Matthew recounts the events leading to Jesus's crucifixion, highlighting Judas's betrayal and the institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper. These narratives intertwine, illustrating the contrast between betrayal and selfless love.
The context of Isaiah's passage is rooted in the "Suffering Servant" songs, which symbolize a figure who bears the sins of others through voluntary suffering. This is mirrored in Matthew's account, where Jesus, aware of the impending betrayal, chooses to endure it for the salvation of humanity. Both readings emphasize trust in divine providence and the transformative power of suffering.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we face trials and betrayals. Like the Suffering Servant, we can trust in God's plan, even amidst challenges. The moral lesson here is one of selfless love and forgiveness. Just as Jesus forgave Judas, we are called to forgive others and seek forgiveness for our own shortcomings. Let us strive to emulate Christ's example, offering our struggles as acts of love and seeking to deepen our relationship with God through trust and humility.