Holy Week 2019 - Tuesday - The Confidence of the Suffering Servant

In the days of Holy Week, the Church presents select passages from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. These particular passages are known as the “Servant Songs”, and in these passages the prophet Isaiah foresees the service, suffering, and exaltation of the Servant of the Lord, the Messiah. The four Servant songs of Isaiah depict the Messiah as God’s faithful, meek and gentle Servant. He is a royal figure, representing Israel in its ideal, most faithful form; He is the high priest, atoning for the sins of the world. Isaiah predicts that this Servant of God would deliver the world from the prison of sin.

Today’s passage is from the second of the four Servant Songs. Where in the first song, we are introduced to God’s servant as the restorer of Israel and a light to the nations, in this second song, there is a discordant note. Though he labors faithfully for the Lord, it appears at times, that his labors are in vain, his work is obstructed. He laments, “I have labored in vain; / I have spent my strength for nothing at all” He feels useless in the midst of this overwhelming task assigned to him by God. And yet, his discouragement is quickly transformed into confidence as he acknowledges that all he is doing and will do is for God’s sake and mission.

This servant song gives us a glimpse into the heart of Jesus the Messiah, who faces opposition from the powers of darkness, even from within his own band of friends, as we hear in the Gospel today. From his closest companions he will experience betrayal and denial. And the cross will appear to many as failure. But we know, that the cross does not end in defeat. And that those who believe in him, “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Being a Christian, following Christ often feels like an overwhelming task. How can I possibly love my neighbor as he loves? How can I possibly overcome my tremendous temptations? How can I possibly fulfill the demands my vocation makes on me? Or how often does it feel like defeat when family members continue to live outside of the Church after all of our prayers and efforts.

And yet, in those low moments, like the suffering servant, we are to renew our confidence in God, that our reward is not an earthly one, but a heavenly one, that through our sufferings we are “made glorious”, and that in our trials, “God is now my strength.” For the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For increased faith and understanding in the catechumens and candidates who approach the sacraments of initiation in the coming Paschal Solemnity.

That those in need may find assistance in the charity of faithful Christians and that peace and security may be firmly established in all places.

For strength to resist temptation, and the humility to sincerely repent of sin.

That through fasting and self-denial, we may be ever more conformed to Christ.

For the conversion of our persecutors, for the grace to forgive our enemies, and forbearance in our trials.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of your Church and turn with compassion to the hearts that bow before you, that those you make sharers in your divine mystery may always benefit from your assistance.