Tuesday of Holy Week

And here we are on the eve of the Triduum celebration. And what a journey it’s been. I recall receiving ashes on the forehead, which I did not wipe off as I ate out for lunch, ran several errands, and participated in a couple of Zoom meetings. How ironic it was that in the Gospel for Ash Wednesday, Jesus urged his followers to give alms, pray in secret, and wash their faces when they fast. Ah, the paradoxical perspective of Jesus!

Let me suggest that in today’s “Servant Song” from the prophet Isaiah, there is an examen for you to contemplate the fruits of your prayer, fasting, and almsgiving if you can use your imagination. Did I remember this Lent:

• The Lord called me from birth
• To share God’s word like a sharp-edged sword – when I could
• In my failures, God still concealed me in the shadow of his arm
• To be God’s servant to all I met on the road
• To rely on God’s strength as I experienced suffering
• The LORD made of me a light to spread the good news of salvation.

Scholars are not clear on who Isaiah was referring to as the “servant” in this passage. From the viewpoint of Easter Monday, however, we believe Jesus to be the “suffering servant” who brought salvation to the ends of the earth. Those of us reading and praying this reflection have been called from birth to follow in the footsteps of God’s son, Jesus, the servant. In other words, to be the body . . . the hands . . . the feet . . . the eyes . . . Christ’s compassion that looks out on the world (in the words of Saint Teresa of Avila). On this Good Friday, we will contemplate the “suffering” of being one of the LORD’s servants.

Let Us Pray:

LORD, when I fear that I have toiled in vain, or for nothing, help me rely on your strength. Let me not think of reward or favor, but rather the knowledge that I am doing your will. May I be your love and compassion, especially with anyone in need of love or compassion.