Daily Readings - Tue Apr 15 2025
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 profound themes of divine calling and the challenges inherent in following God's will. The first reading from Isaiah presents the prophet as a servant called by God from birth, entrusted with the mission to restore Israel and be a light to the Gentiles. Despite his initial doubts and sense of futility, Isaiah comes to understand the glory of his mission, recognizing that his true judgment and strength come from the Lord. This passage is part of the "Servant Songs," which emphasize the servant's obedience, humility, and ultimate triumph through suffering.
The Gospel from John shifts our focus to the Last Supper, where Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. This moment of sorrow and tension is met with confusion and concern among the disciples, particularly Peter, who seeks clarity and expresses his willingness to lay down his life for Jesus. Jesus, however, cautions Peter about the challenges ahead, foretelling his denial and the ultimate separation that must occur before true union can be achieved. This passage underscores the complexities of discipleship and the necessity of trusting in God's plan, even when it leads to darkness and uncertainty.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own vocations and the challenges we face in living out our faith. Like Isaiah, we may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or doubt, but we are reminded that our true strength comes from God. Like Peter, we may express bold commitments, but we must also confront our limitations and learn to trust in God's timing and plan. These readings call us to embrace our missions with humility, perseverance, and faith, knowing that even in the midst of trials, God is glorified and our ultimate union with him is assured. Let us strive to follow Jesus' example, accepting the crosses we bear and trusting in the promise of eternal life.