Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 8, 2020
First Reading: Isaiah 50.4-9a
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.
Psalm 69
1Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.2I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.3I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.4Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.5You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you.6May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, the LORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel.7For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face.8I am a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother's sons;9for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.10When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn;11when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me.12Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards.13But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.14Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters.15Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me.16Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.17Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.18Come near and rescue me; redeem me because of my foes.19You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you.20Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none.21They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.22May the table set before them become a snare; may it become retribution and a trap.23May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.24Pour out your wrath on them; let your fierce anger overtake them.25May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents.26For they persecute those you wound and talk about the pain of those you hurt.27Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation.28May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.29I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me.30I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.31This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.32The poor will see and be glad- you who seek God, may your hearts live!33The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.34Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them,35for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people will settle there and possess it;36the children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his name will dwell there.
Gospel: Matthew 26.14-26
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 two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on trust and betrayal, themes that resonate deeply in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Isaiah presents a servant who embodies unwavering trust in God, enduring suffering with resilience. Despite facing mistreatment, the servant remains steadfast, trusting in God’s providence. This passage underscores the servant’s role as a symbol of faith and endurance, highlighting the importance of trusting God even amidst adversity.
In contrast, the Gospel from Matthew narrates the poignant story of Judas’s betrayal of Jesus. This passage reveals not only the darkness of betrayal but also Jesus’s unwavering commitment to His mission. The Last Supper, a moment of profound intimacy, is overshadowed by the announcement of betrayal, yet Jesus remains resolute. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of distrust and the human capacity for both good and evil.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with trust and betrayal. Like the servant in Isaiah, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when faced with challenges. Conversely, Judas’s story warns us against the dangers of allowing doubt and self-interest to guide our actions. In our daily lives, we face choices that test our faith and loyalty. Will we choose to trust in God’s providence, or will we succumb to fear and doubt?
As we navigate life’s trials, let us draw inspiration from the servant’s example, trusting in God’s presence and guidance. May we also learn from Judas’s mistake, recognizing the importance of remaining faithful and true to our commitments. In moments of uncertainty, let us turn to prayer, seeking the strength to follow Jesus’s example of love and trust. Through this reflection, may we deepen our trust in God and strive to live with integrity and faith, avoiding the pitfalls of betrayal and choosing instead the path of unwavering commitment to our Lord.