Breaking the Word

Wednesday of the Holy Week – 5^th April 2023 – Isaiah 50,4-9;  Mt 26,14-25

Obedient Servant

The first reading is the third song of the suffering Servant in Isaiah. This ‘Servant’ passage also speaks very graphically of what Jesus will go through in his Passion. In Isaiah, God provides his Servant with the words he needs to speak, especially for those who need encouragement, “The Lord God has given me a disciple’s tongue… to give a word of comfort to the weary.” And Jesus will speak words of encouragement to his disciples before his Passion. He will speak to the women who sympathise with him on the way of Calvary.

In contrast to the rebellious Israel, the Servant of Yahweh expresses his total submission, “I have not resisted, I have not turned away.” The Servant makes no resistance to his attackers. He will not meet violence with violence. However, this is not weakness, but a sign of great inner strength and peace. In the same way, Jesus undergoes all his sufferings and submits to his Father, “Even though he was God’s Son, he learnt through his sufferings to be obedient (Heb 5,8)” and “He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave (Phil 2,7)”. Jesus learnt obedience as a way of life. The great strength for the suffering Servant and for Jesus is that God comes to their help. Insults and violence cannot change the inner security of the person. Their ultimate outcome will not be shame, but vindication and glory. The way of Jesus is the way of Peace.

Tuesday of the Holy Week – 4^th April 2023 – Isaiah 49,1-6; Jn 13,21-33.36-38

Saviour for Chosen People

Today’s first reading from the book of Isaiah is 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 his 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.