DAILY REFLECTION

Liturgical readings are available here.

The first reading offers the second poem about the Servant of the Lord from the Book of the prophet Isaiah. All four poems are read during the Holy Week in liturgy which invites a connection with Jesus.

Although Isaiah talks about the whole nation of Israel first (You are my servant, he said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory), it becomes clear that these words reach beyond the boundaries of the nation of Israel.

The servant is given a hard to task and little or no reward first. Isaiah comments: Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, Yet my reward is with the LORD, my recompense is with my God. The disappointment comes along with hope, confidence, and even certitude. The world may not appreciate, but God knows of the struggles of his servants.

During the Holy Week, as we follow the events from the last days of Jesus, we do not only observe what happens, but identify ourselves with him. He lives and operates based on his identity – always connected with the Father. It does not give him an immediate success and it seems as if all the toil of his public life was for nothing. It is faith that opens a new perspective for his life and for our lives as well.