Daily Readings - Mon Apr 03 2023
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 readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of humility, service, and the profound love of God for his people. In the first reading from Isaiah, we encounter a beautiful description of God’s chosen servant, who is gentle, just, and filled with the Spirit. 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. Isaiah reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways, and his justice is not limited to the powerful or the loud. The servant’s mission is to open the eyes of the blind, free the captive, and bring light to those in darkness. This passage is a prophecy of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who embodies these qualities perfectly.
In the Gospel, we see Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume, an act of extravagant love and devotion. While Judas criticizes her for what he sees as wastefulness, Jesus defends her, explaining that her action is a preparation for his burial. This moment reveals the depth of Mary’s faith and love for Jesus, as well as the contrast between her selfless generosity and Judas’ selfishness. The passage also highlights the tension between those who seek to follow Jesus and those who oppose him, even among his own disciples. The raising of Lazarus and the subsequent plot to kill him show how Jesus’ presence and power provoke both faith and fear.
These readings call us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Like Mary, we are invited to offer our lives, our time, and our resources to God with humility and love. Like the servant in Isaiah, we are called to be instruments of God’s justice and light in a world that often prefers darkness. The moral lesson here is clear: true greatness is found in serving others, not in seeking power or wealth. Let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to pour out our lives for others, as Jesus did for us? Are we willing to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems difficult or counterintuitive? May we follow the example of Jesus, the gentle servant, and may our lives be a fragrance of love and hope to those around us.