Daily Readings - Mon Apr 14 2025
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 powerful images of hope, justice, and selfless love. The first reading from Isaiah presents us with a vision of God’s servant, a figure of humility and compassion, who is called to bring light to the nations and freedom to those in darkness. This servant is not one who shouts or breaks the fragile; instead, he gently leads with justice and truth. The passage reminds us that God’s work is often quiet, persistent, and rooted in mercy, even in the face of great challenges.
The Gospel reading from John shifts our focus to a moment of intimate love and controversy. Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly ointment, an act of extravagant devotion that fills the room with its fragrance. While Judas criticizes her for what he sees as wastefulness, Jesus defends her, pointing to the deeper truth: her actions are a preparation for his burial, a sign of love in the face of death. This moment teaches us that true love is not measured by practicality but by the depth of the heart. It also reminds us that the poor will always be among us, but Jesus—our Lord and Savior—will not always be physically present. Therefore, we must cherish every opportunity to honor him and serve others in his name.
These readings call us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Like Isaiah’s servant, we are called to be instruments of justice and light, even in small, quiet ways. Like Mary, we are invited to offer our lives, talents, and resources as acts of love and worship, trusting that God will use them for his purposes. In a world often driven by noise and efficiency, these readings remind us of the beauty of humility, compassion, and selfless love. May we strive to embody these qualities, knowing that they are the very heart of God’s kingdom.