Daily Readings - Wed Apr 13 2022
Isaiah
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.
Matthew
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 powerful themes of trust, betrayal, and the unwavering commitment to God's will. The first reading from Isaiah portrays the prophet as a figure of endurance and faith, who, despite suffering and humiliation, remains steadfast in his mission. Isaiah’s words echo his complete surrender to God, emphasizing that he does not turn away from the challenges set before him. This passage invites us to reflect on our own ability to trust in God’s plan, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or fraught with difficulty.
The Gospel from Matthew contrasts sharply with Isaiah’s unwavering faith, as it recounts the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. Judas’s willingness to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver reveals the darker aspects of human nature—self-interest and a lack of faith. Yet, even in this moment of betrayal, Jesus remains calm and resolute, fulfilling the will of the Father. The institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper serves as a profound act of love and sacrifice, reminding us of the depth of God’s love for us, even in the face of rejection.
These readings challenge us to examine our own hearts. Like Isaiah, are we willing to trust in God’s plan, even when it leads us through trials? And like Judas, do we allow our fears or selfish desires to lead us astray? Let us turn to Jesus, who in the face of betrayal, chose to give himself completely for our salvation. May we strive to imitate his fidelity and love, trusting in God’s providence and living with integrity in all we do.