Daily Readings - Mon Mar 29 2021
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 introduces us to the figure of the servant of the Lord, a messianic figure who embodies humility, justice, and compassion. This servant is not one who will break the bruised reed or extinguish the smoldering wick; instead, he will bring light and hope to the nations. The passage emphasizes the servant’s gentle yet steadfast commitment to justice and his role as a covenant for the people and a light to the Gentiles. The context of this passage is one of hope and redemption, as Isaiah speaks to a people in exile, promising them that God will raise up a deliverer who will restore their fortunes and bring light to all nations.
The Gospel reading from John presents a vivid contrast between selfless love and worldly concerns. Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet with costly ointment is an act of profound devotion and preparation for his burial. While Judas criticizes her for what he sees as wastefulness, Jesus defends her, emphasizing that her actions are a beautiful expression of love and preparation for his impending death. The context here is the tension between those who follow Jesus and those who oppose him, including the Pharisees who now seek to kill Lazarus as well. The passage highlights the contrast between Mary’s humility and generosity and the greed and hardness of heart of those who oppose Jesus.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on the values of humility, compassion, and selfless love. In Isaiah, we see the servant’s gentle yet unwavering commitment to justice and hope. In John, we see Mary’s extravagant love for Jesus, which stands in stark contrast to the calculating selfishness of Judas and the Pharisees. These readings call us to examine our own hearts and actions. Are we like Mary, willing to pour out our lives in love and service, or are we like Judas, focused on our own gain and comfort? The servant of the Lord in Isaiah reminds us that true strength lies in humility and compassion, not in power or control.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Where can we show greater humility and kindness? How can we, like Mary, offer our lives and resources as an act of love and devotion? Let us also remember that, like the servant in Isaiah, we are called to be a light to others, bringing hope and justice to a world in need. May we strive to live with the same selfless love and gentle strength that Jesus modeled for us, trusting that even in the darkest times, God’s plan of redemption is at work.