Daily Readings - Tue Apr 12 2022
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 themes of trust, mission, and the mysterious ways of God’s providence. In the first reading from Isaiah, the prophet speaks as the servant of the Lord, expressing both his struggles and his ultimate trust in God’s plan. Despite feeling that his efforts have been in vain, the servant is reminded that his mission is not limited to Israel but extends to the Gentiles, making him a light to the nations. This passage emphasizes that our work, even when it seems futile, is part of a larger divine plan that only God can fully understand.
In the Gospel, Jesus reveals to his disciples that one of them will betray him, and he identifies Judas as the one who will carry out this act. While the disciples are confused and uncertain, Jesus remains calm, knowing that this betrayal is part of the plan that will lead to his glorification. Peter’s bold declaration to lay down his life for Jesus is met with a gentle correction, as Jesus predicts Peter’s denial. This passage reminds us that even in moments of failure or weakness, God’s plan unfolds in ways we cannot fully grasp. Like the servant in Isaiah, we are called to trust in God’s providence, even when the path ahead seems dark or uncertain.
These readings challenge us to embrace our own missions with faith and perseverance. Like the servant and like Peter, we may stumble or feel that our efforts are in vain, but God’s plan is always greater than our limited understanding. Let us trust in God’s timing and providence, knowing that our lives are part of a larger story of salvation. May we, like Jesus, surrender to the Father’s will, even when it leads us through difficult or unexpected paths. In doing so, we become instruments of God’s light and love in a world that so desperately needs it.