Tuesday of Holy Week

Reflection

Today’s readings encourage a bold and confident faith in God in all life circumstances.  Isaiah’s remarkable declaration of “God having raised up a servant who will be an instrument of God’s glory” comes amidst the destruction of the temple, and God’s people being taken to Babylon in chains. Our Scriptures are filled with unlikely servants (Rahab, David, Mary, etc.), but the servant Isaiah announces that God will not only “restore Israel,” but will serve as “a light to the nations…with salvation reaching the ends of the earth.” This is a bold and prophetic faith, indeed, in a time of ruin and defeat.

Psalm 71, sometimes called the “prayer of the aged believer” was likely authored by King David near the end of a long and remarkable life experience and relationship with God. Psalm 71 asserts that God deserves our confidence in all circumstances and “we should sing of God’s salvation.”

The double betrayal revealed at the Last Supper that John’s Gospel describes, is an all too familiar story. Jesus tells Peter that Judas will betray him, causing Peter to assert he would lay down his life, if he could only go where Jesus is going. Jesus quickly predicts Peter’s betrayal and denial of his Lord.

Grace assures us of God’s presence and love.  We don’t need to earn God’s love. A bold and confident faith in God in all life circumstances, however, can be a challenge. May God be with us as we work to have a greater trust in God.

Prayer

Gracious and loving God, help us to examine what we are called to do in order that we may be in a more reciprocal and trusting relationship with You.  Amen.

Michael Samara, Academic Support Staff and Campus Minister

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6
Psalm 71:1-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15, 17
Gospel: John 13:21-33, 36-38

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website