Daily Readings - Mon Apr 11 2022
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments that illuminate the mission of Jesus and our response to it. The first reading from Isaiah presents a servant who is gentle, just, and a light to the nations, embodying the Messiah's role. This servant's mission is one of restoration and hope, not of power or dominance. In contrast, the Gospel from John shows Mary's extravagant act of anointing Jesus with costly ointment, a gesture of love and preparation for His burial. This act, though questioned by Judas, is defended by Jesus, who emphasizes that while the poor will always be present, His time with them is limited.
The context of these readings is pivotal. Isaiah's prophecy sets the stage for a Messiah who would bring light and justice, while John's narrative occurs near the end of Jesus' ministry, highlighting the tension between His impending death and the reactions of those around Him. Both readings converge on the theme of Jesus as the suffering servant, whose mission is to bring light and hope to all.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to respond with humility and love. Like Mary, we are invited to embrace radical acts of faith, trusting in God's plan even when it seems perplexing. We are reminded to serve the poor and marginalized, yet also to cherish moments of intimate worship and sacrifice. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan and be willing to serve and love sacrificially, as Jesus did. Let us embrace this call with openness and faith, allowing His light to guide us in our journey.