Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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The portion from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah that we read today was written hundreds of years before the time of Jesus. It filled the people of Israel with hope. It foretold a servant, upheld by God, who would establish justice on the earth. He would set things right again. He would renew the covenant that God established with Israel – the covenant that promised that God would always be their God. This new man would also be a light for the nations. He would be a beacon for all people to come to God, the creator of the heavens and the earth. This man would open minds to see the truth that sets us free. He would release prisoners, who were bound by the guilt of their sins.
It took centuries; but hope springs eternal. Jesus was born, the Son of God, to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah.
The fulfillment of the prophecy – the actual doing of it – the act of bringing justice, giving light, proclaiming the truth, setting people free, and forgiving sins – that would take hard work. It would take more than saying a few insightful words and telling a few good parables. It would take the cross. Love requires sacrifice.
Judas was the opposite of true love. He was unwilling to sacrifice for the program of Jesus. Instead of giving, Judas was taking. He wanted the easy way to happiness. He became a thief who stole from the poor to make himself rich. In the end, he betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Unfortunately, because he would not open his heart to love, he would kill himself out of self-loathing. Selfishness and greed, both of which are love turned in on itself, are poisonous to the soul; while the love that God would show on the cross is sacrificial and selfless.
During this final push of Holy Week to the cross and resurrection, what sacrifices are we prepared to make for God? What love can we pour out of our hearts to Jesus? And what love can we give to those who are closest to us in our families and among our friends? It’s not easy, but it is worth it! Such love cleanses the soul.