Word to the Wise
Monday, April 15, 2019 - Holy Week - Mon
[Isa 42:1-7 and John 12:1-11]Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put forth my Spirit: he shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching. [Isaiah]
The first three days of Holy Week will feature as the first scripture of the day a selection from the prophecy of Isaiah about a figure that tradition refers to as "the Suffering Servant." The early Christian community, in its efforts to understand the meaning of Jesus' terrible death, found in Isaiah's words a foretelling of Jesus' suffering. The first three passages really build to the climax on Good Friday when the last of the passages is read with its vivid description. I urge the Beloved Congregation to read all four of the "songs of the Suffering Servant" to gain a wonderful appreciation of Holy Week.
The gospel scriptures this week focus on the betrayal of Jesus by one of his own disciples, an apostle no less: Judas! Surely one of the sufferings of Jesus during this week is the knowledge that one of his closest companions would betray him for money. Centuries of Christian reflection have wondered WHY? But there has never been an explanation that has settled the matter. Anyone who has experienced the feeling of betrayal by a friend will know the feeling, however.
Jesus' physical and emotional suffering will mirror our own. He did this for us. This week is like no other week. AMEN