Daily Mass Readings – Tuesday, 23 March 2027

1 Give ear, ye islands, and hearken, ye people from afar. The Lord hath called me from the womb, from the bowels of my mother he hath been mindful of my name.

2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword: in the shadow of his hand he hath protected me, and hath made me as a chosen arrow: in his quiver he hath hidden me.

3 And he said to me: Thou art my servant Israel, for in thee will I glory.

4 And I said: I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength without cause and in vain: therefore my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.

5 And now saith the Lord, that formed me from the womb to be his servant, that I may bring back Jacob unto him, and Israel will not be gathered together: and I am glorified in the eyes of the Lord, and my God is made my strength.

6 And he said: It is a small thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold, I have given thee to be the light of the Gentiles, that thou mayst be my salvation even to the farthest part of the earth.

R. (15ab) I will sing of your salvation.

1 Of the sons of Jonadab, and the former captives. In thee, O Lord, I have hoped, let me never be put to confusion:

2 Deliver me in thy justice, and rescue me. Incline thy ear unto me, and save me.

R. I will sing of your salvation.

3 Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a place of strength: that thou mayst make me safe. For thou art my firmament and my refuge.

4a Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the sinner.

R. I will sing of your salvation.

5ab For thou art my patience, O Lord: my hope, O Lord, from my youth;

6ab By thee have I been confirmed from the womb: from my mother’s womb thou art my protector.

R. I will sing of your salvation.

15 My mouth shall shew forth thy justice; thy salvation all the day long. Because I have not known learning,

17 Thou hast taught me, O God, from my youth: and till now I will declare thy wonderful works.

R. I will sing of your salvation.

Hail to you, our King, obedient to the Father; you were led to your crucifixion like a gentle lamb to the slaughter.

21 When Jesus had said these things, he was troubled in spirit; and he testified, and said: Amen, amen I say to you, one of you shall betray me.

22 The disciples therefore looked one upon another, doubting of whom he spoke.

23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and said to him: Who is it of whom he speaketh?

25 He therefore, leaning on the breast of Jesus, saith to him: Lord, who is it?

26 Jesus answered: He it is to whom I shall reach bread dipped. And when he had dipped the bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

27 And after the morsel, Satan entered into him. And Jesus said to him: That which thou dost, do quickly.

28 Now no man at the table knew to what purpose he said this unto him.

29 For some thought, because Judas had the purse, that Jesus had said to him: Buy those things which we have need of for the festival day: or that he should give something to the poor.

30 He therefore having received the morsel, went out immediately. And it was night.

31 When he therefore was gone out, Jesus said: Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

32 If God be glorified in him, God also will glorify him in himself; and immediately will he glorify him.

33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You shall seek me; and as I said to the Jews: Whither I go you cannot come; so I say to you now.

36 Simon Peter saith to him: Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered: Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow hereafter.

37 Peter saith to him: Why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thee.

38 Jesus answered him: Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Amen, amen I say to thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou deny me thrice.

The servant is called from the womb, protected by God, and sent as a light to the nations. Yet his mission seems to end in weariness: “I have laboured in vain.” The psalm gives the answer to that discouragement. God remains a refuge and strength, the One who has held his servant from the beginning. Faithfulness is not measured by visible success, but by remaining in God’s hands and allowing him to bring salvation through us.

Jesus embodies this servant completely. He knows betrayal is near, Peter’s denial is coming, and the darkness of suffering is opening before him. Still, he does not turn aside from obedience to the Father. The gentle Lamb is led toward crucifixion, and precisely there God’s glory is revealed. Judas goes out into the night, while Jesus enters his hour with love intact. Peter’s confidence collapses, yet Jesus tells him that he will follow later. Our weakness does not cancel God’s call, provided we return to his mercy. When our efforts feel fruitless or our courage fails, we can remain close to Christ, trusting that God can make even faithful endurance a light for others.

Lord Jesus, faithful Servant and gentle Lamb, keep me close to you when my efforts seem fruitless and my strength is small. Be my refuge when I am tempted to rely on myself, and teach me to trust the Father’s work even when I cannot see its results. Protect me from the darkness of betrayal, fear, and presumption. Give me a humble heart that recognizes my weakness and returns quickly to your mercy. May my life, sustained by your grace, reflect your salvation and bring your light to those entrusted to my care. Amen.