TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

I will make you a light to the nations.

Throughout Holy Week, our Old Testament readings come from the four “Songs of the Suffering Servant” in the Book of Isaiah. Today’s passage describes how the Servant of the Lord will draw people from every nation to the God of Israel. With the blessing of hindsight, we can see how Jesus fulfilled this role and commissioned his disciples to carry on this mission.

Jesus seemed to go out of his way to reach people from different backgrounds. He spoke with a Samaritan woman (John 4:4-42). He healed the servant of a Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). He restored the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30). Beyond demonstrating God’s power and love, these encounters revealed Jesus’ desire to cross cultural and ethnic boundaries.

But he didn’t stop there. After his resurrection, he commissioned his disciples to continue reaching out beyond their own people. He told them to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Then, before ascending, he instructed them to witness “in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). And the apostles did just that. They traveled all over the world, carrying Jesus’ light with them.

Just before entering into his passion, Jesus promised, “When I am lifted up . . . , I will draw everyone to myself” (John 12:32). In the next few days, we will see these words fulfilled. As we celebrate the mysteries of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we will join millions of people around the world in lifting Jesus up. And as we do, we will be taking our place as part of the very people Jesus promised to draw to himself.

As you attend the liturgies of Holy Week, look around and see that fulfillment in the faces of your fellow parishioners. Think about the Church in other countries as well, and rejoice that God has brought so many diverse peoples into one family. Rejoice that the apostles proclaimed the gospel to people so different from themselves. And rejoice that you are part of this work! Extend your hand in friendship to someone new this week, and shine your light to the nations.

“Lord, help me to reach out so that people will know you.”

Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17
John 13:21-33, 36-38
Isaiah 49:1-6