Today is traditionally known as “Spy Wednesday”. On Spy Wednesday, our gospel reading today point to Jesus’ betrayal by Judas in Matthew’s Gospel. Already Jesus had pointed out the evil that lies in the heart of Judas. Our Lord knew already but he gave him a choice to repent. There is mystery in the story. It has all been set up in preparation for this event.
Our first reading from the prophet Isaiah offers us what is commonly known as the third Servant Song. These few lines are so familiar to us as most of us recognize the story of Jesus who has been called the suffering servant.It tells us about the Lord God who seems to be the prime mover in these few short verses. They speak of resolve and deep faith in God and offer consolation to those who are suffering, almost like a case statement of faith.
As the Psalm goes, “Lord, in your great love, answer me (Psalm 69).” How many times do we call out to our God? Jesus certainly called out to his Father in his hour, and he was comforted by an angel. Who are the angels in your life?
More so, the verses of the Psalm for this day seem to echo the first reading. ”For your sake I bear insult, and shame covers my face.
In the same way, these verses loop in St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians found in our entrance antiphon for this day. This was the thrust of St. Paul’s understanding of the sufferings of Jesus. He “suffers with us” He understands our pain. Most of us are very familiar with God’s compassion being likened in the Hebrew Scriptures to a mother’s womb “with deep compassion.”
This Holy Week, may we come to appreciate the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity in new ways. Amen.
Osho