The light and revelation to the nations

Ish 49:1-6, Jn 13:21-33.36-38. In today's first reading, prophet Isaiah narrates the event surrounding his call. In this call narrative, the coming of Jesus, the light and revelation to the nations and glory of His people Israel, is being prefigured. Here, Jesus is the One promised to be our salvation and reconciliation. Yet, the people who were suppose to be the first recipient of this gift rejected Him. He unites us to Himself and to solidify the bond, He invites us to dine with Him, yet only a few yielded to His invitation. The upset is deeper when the bond between the betrayer and the betrayed is closely knitted. Judas Iscariot was present when Jesus said to them: “I chose you …” “I call you friends…” and the other words of affections He used to bring them close.

These warm and friendly expressions show the kind of bond that our Lord kept creating and recreating with His disciples. The ultimate celebration of this bond came at the Last Super, when Jesus leaves His disciples with the legacy of “love one another as I have loved you.” Lo and behold it was from this same setting that Judas leaves to formally hand Him over to the enemies who were bent on having Him killed. Jesus also mentioned Peter as one to deny Him before the cock crowed the next morning. Peter eventually denied Jesus three times when he was asked by the bystanders at the time of the Lord’s trial, most likely out of fear of being arrested. Like the disciples, we are weak creatures who are often afflicted and tempted by sin, with the various temptations and pressures present in our lives, that makes it difficult for us to live a life that is truly faithful to the Lord. This is where we need to seek God’s help, for we are not able to free ourselves from sins without His help.

May the Lord unite us to Himself in times of distress and let the power of His salvation shine forth in our lives! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!