Daily Readings - Tue Mar 26 2024
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on divine mission and trust in God’s plan. The first reading from Isaiah introduces us to the Servant of the Lord, who, despite feelings of isolation and doubt, remains faithful to his calling. This servant is not just a figure of ancient Israel but a symbol of hope for all nations, as he is destined to be a light to the Gentiles. The Gospel from John presents Jesus at the Last Supper, foreseeing his betrayal by Judas and preparing his disciples for his departure. Jesus’ words to Peter, emphasizing faith and future following, underscore the themes of trust and divine timing.
Both readings are set in contexts of impending challenge and transformation. Isaiah’s servant emerges during a period of exile and despair, offering a message of redemption. Jesus, in John’s Gospel, is on the brink of his Passion, illustrating the depth of his obedience to the Father’s will. The connection between the two lies in their divine missions and the trust required to fulfill them. Isaiah’s servant and Jesus both embody the idea that true service to God involves perseverance through uncertainty and a belief in a larger, universal purpose.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace our own missions with faith. Like the servant and Jesus, we may face moments of doubt and challenge, but it is in these times that our trust in God’s plan is most crucial. Whether in personal struggles or community service, we are called to be lights in the world, trusting that our efforts, though sometimes unseen, contribute to a greater good. As we navigate life’s uncertainties, let us draw strength from the examples of Isaiah’s servant and Jesus, remembering that our faith and perseverance are essential to fulfilling our divine callings.