Tuesday of the Holy Week – 26th March 2024 – Isaiah 49,1-6; Jn 13,21-33.36-38
Glorified Servant
Today’s first reading presents the second song of the Suffering Servant. It reminds us that the suffering servant has been called by God from before birth to fulfill the ministry of bringing the chosen people into a closer relationship with Yahweh. The suffering servant expresses that at times his mission has been in vain; he has spent all the strength without bringing people closer to God. Finally, the servant is glorified by God and becomes not only the means of saving the chosen people, but also the light to all nations.
This passage seems to apply to Jesus in a fitting manner. From the beginning of his birth, Jesus’ life purpose has been to draw people closer to God. He spent all his energy without much success and his work might seem to be in vain, especially as he nears the end of his life. Even those chosen by Jesus as his closest followers, his apostles are not as faithful as they say. One will betray him, another will deny him thrice, and the rest will scatter as sheep without the shepherd. Yet, Jesus still reaches out to them in loving service. He realizes that even the most tragic events of His suffering and death would be the source of glorification of his Father and believes as means by which people will be saved and brought into the light of God.
