Our first reading for Monday and Tuesday of Holy Week was concerning the first two oracles of the Servant of the Lord. The prophet Isaiah told us on Monday that the one who would open the eyes of the blind, bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness – would be the servant whom [God] upholds, his chosen one with whom he is pleased, upon whom he put his Spirit. Yesterday, Isaiah tells us more about this Servant of the Lord: he would make his servant a two-edged sword, and a light to the nations: that his salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. Today we have a third oracle: the one who had a well-trained tongue, who spoke to the weary to rouse them to hope, would be disgraced with buffets and spittings and beatings; yet he would not be overwhelmed, for he knew that the Lord God was his help and would prove him right! These oracles, of course, are prophecies concerning Jesus!
We are hours away now from entering into the Triduum Celebration of Jesus' passion and death, and subsequent resurrection. He knew the prophecies must be fulfilled in him; he eagerly wanted them to be so – even with the pain and suffering that was involved.
The pain began in earnest when one of his chosen twelve betrayed him by selling him out to the police. Sometimes even having Jesus for your very good friend is not enough to keep one from the blindness of selfishness and greed. Everyone, even Judas, always has free-will and the choice to opt for Jesus and his way! Judas, however, had other plans – and they led to his demise. May our decision be for Jesus and for life in him!
Hail to you, our King, obedient to the Father; you were led to your crucifixion like a gentle lamb to the slaughter!
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