Daily Readings - Wed Apr 16 2025
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on trust, betrayal, and the unwavering commitment to God’s will. In the first reading from Isaiah, the prophet speaks of his complete surrender to God, even in the face of suffering and rejection. Despite being struck and spat upon, he does not turn away, for he knows the Lord is his helper. This passage is part of the Servant Songs, which foreshadow the mission of Jesus Christ, the ultimate servant who would endure suffering for the salvation of the world.
In the Gospel, we see the stark contrast between Judas’ betrayal and Jesus’ trust in the Father. Judas, one of the twelve chosen disciples, chooses to hand Jesus over for silver, while Jesus, knowing what is about to happen, institutes the Eucharist as a gift of his body and blood. This act of love and surrender stands in stark opposition to Judas’ act of betrayal. The readings remind us that faithfulness and trust in God’s plan are at the heart of the Christian life, even when the road ahead is uncertain or difficult.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Where do we stand in moments of trial or temptation? Do we, like Isaiah, set our faces like flint, trusting in God’s providence, or do we, like Judas, allow our fears and desires to lead us astray? May we learn to embrace the crosses we bear with faith, knowing that God is always near to us. Let us also deepen our appreciation for the Eucharist, the gift of Jesus’ body and blood, which sustains us on our journey of discipleship. In doing so, may we grow in fidelity and trust, becoming servants of the Lord who endure all things for the sake of His kingdom.