Daily Readings - Tue Mar 30 2021
Isaiah
1Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name.2He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.3He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor."4But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God."5And now the LORD says- he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength-6he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."
John
21After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me."22His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant.23One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.24Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means."25Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?"26Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon.27As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.28"What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him, but no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him.29Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor.30As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.31When he was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him.32If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.33"My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.36Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later."37Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."38Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the mystery of God’s plan and the human response to it. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear the voice of the servant of the Lord, who expresses both frustration and trust. Despite feeling that his efforts have been in vain, he clings to the assurance that his judgment and work are in God’s hands. This servant is not just an individual but a symbol of Israel’s mission to bring light to the nations. The passage reminds us that our struggles and doubts are not signs of failure but opportunities to deepen our trust in God’s providence.
In the Gospel, we witness the dramatic moment of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. Jesus, aware of what is about to unfold, remains calm and steadfast, even as he shares a final meal with his disciples. This scene highlights the tension between love and betrayal, faith and failure. Peter’s bold declaration to lay down his life for Jesus contrasts sharply with his later denial, revealing the fragility of human resolve. Yet, even in the midst of betrayal and denial, Jesus speaks of glorification—his own and that of the Father. This paradox underscores the deeper truth that God’s glory is often revealed in the darkest moments.
These readings call us to embrace the mystery of faith in our own lives. Like the servant in Isaiah, we may feel that our efforts are unnoticed or ineffective, but we are reminded that our work is in God’s hands. Like Peter, we may stumble and fail, but God’s plan is not derailed by our weaknesses. The key is to trust in God’s timing and purposes, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Let us strive to remain faithful, knowing that our struggles and imperfections are part of the larger story of God’s redemption. In the end, it is not our strength but God’s grace that will bring light to the world.