Daily Readings - Wed Apr 05 2023
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 profound themes of trust, betrayal, and divine providence. The first reading from Isaiah portrays a figure who, despite suffering and mockery, remains steadfast in his faith, trusting in the Lord’s guidance and deliverance. This figure, often seen as a prefiguration of Christ, exemplifies unwavering commitment to God’s will, even in the face of adversity. The Gospel reading from Matthew narrates the events of the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the Eucharist, symbolizing His body given for humanity. This sacred moment is overshadowed by Judas’s betrayal, highlighting the contrast between divine love and human frailty.
The context of Isaiah’s passage is rooted in the “Suffering Servant” songs, which foreshadow the redemption through suffering. Similarly, Matthew’s account sets the stage for Jesus’s Passion, illustrating His acceptance of His fate. Both readings underscore the theme of trust in God amidst suffering and betrayal, linking the prophet’s faith with Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own trials and how we face them. Like the prophet, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when circumstances seem bleak. The Eucharist, as instituted by Jesus, serves as a source of strength and unity, reminding us of God’s enduring love. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God’s providence and find solace in the Eucharist, especially when facing life’s challenges. Let us strive to emulate this trust, knowing that through our faith, we can overcome any adversity.