Daily Readings - Mon Mar 25 2024
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 powerful images of service and love. The first reading from Isaiah describes a humble servant of the Lord, chosen to bring justice and light to the nations. This servant is not one who seeks power or recognition but instead moves with compassion and gentleness, not breaking the bruised reed or extinguishing the smoldering wick. The servant’s mission is to bring hope and liberation, even to those in darkness and confinement. This passage is a beautiful expression of God’s desire to restore and redeem His people through a servant who embodies humility and mercy.
In the Gospel, we see a different kind of service. Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfumed oil, 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 highlights the tension between worldly concerns and spiritual priorities. Mary’s gesture is not about efficiency or practicality but about love and surrender. It reminds us that true service to God and others often requires sacrifice and a willingness to give without reserve.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we serve God and others in our own lives. Are we like the servant in Isaiah, moving with compassion and humility, or are we more like Judas, focused on what seems practical and efficient? Mary’s example calls us to love without counting the cost, to trust that our acts of kindness and generosity, no matter how small they may seem, have profound significance. As we strive to live as servants of the Lord, may we embrace the humility and love that these readings inspire, remembering that true greatness lies in surrendering ourselves to God’s will and serving others with hearts full of grace.