TUESDAY, HOLY WEEK
Is 49: 1-6 Ps 71: 1-6, 15, 17 Jn 13: 21-33, 36-38
CALLED TO IMITATE THE SERVANT
The first reading introduces us to the ‘Servant of the Lord’ – a figure chosen by God to be a light to the nations and to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. The Servant’s mission is to restore Israel and bring God’s saving message to all peoples, embodying His justice and mercy. This mission is rooted in selfless love, a love that reaches out to those in need, offering salvation without conditions. This Servant is fulfilled in Christ, but Isaiah’s words also resonate with each of us. Consequently, we are called to recognise that our lives, too, are part of God’s great plan of salvation, and to embrace the call to serve others with compassion, mercy, and humility.
In the Gospel, we witness a powerful moment in the life of Jesus as He prepares for His Passion. In the Upper Room, He is surrounded by His disciples, where He foretells Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. Yet, He continues to love His disciples to the very end, demonstrating the deepest act of service by washing their feet. Jesus’ love is a love that does not hesitate, even when He knows He will suffer, even when He knows His friends will fail Him. This is the love that defines the Christian life: a love that serves others even in the face of hardship. In this season of Lent, the Gospel reminds us that following Jesus means following the path of self-giving love. It is not merely about avoiding sin but about imitating Christ in how we treat others.
Pope Francis, in his Lenten message, calls for “a conversion of heart” that leads us to embrace God’s love for the world and to live that love through our actions. Truly, Lent is a time of conversion, where we are called to turn away from selfishness and sin and move toward greater love and service. Isaiah’s Servant and the actions of Christ in the Gospel remind us that to follow God is to embrace a life of love that is not self-centred but other-centred, a love that serves others even at great personal cost.
Response: My mouth will tell of your salvation, Lord.
Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water http://springs.carmelmedia.in