Servant

Here is my servant whom I uphold.

There was a lot of drama in the events of Holy Week, and most of us have seen enough movies to put vivid images into our imaginations.   We see crowds cheering and waving palm branches.   There are soldiers carrying torches and brandishing swords.   There is a midnight trial.   There is a man whose body is bruised and bleeding from repeated blows.   A power struggle plays out between secular and religious authorities.   Women gather around a cross, wailing and lamenting.

Entering into the week can be an emotional time for us.   There’s nothing wrong with responding with your whole being as you relive these events.   After all, they are the turning point of human history!   But in the midst of all the drama, Isaiah can help us focus on the Person who matters most: Jesus, the servant whom God the Father upholds.

What is this servant like?   He is described as “not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street”.   So if you want to understand what Jesus is up to, your best approach would be to quiet your heart and listen attentively.

Who knows?   God may choose the quieter scenes to speak to you this year—not in earthquake or hurricane, but in a still, small voice.   He may touch your heart with unexpected insights.   Perhaps the scene of Mary gratefully pouring perfume on the feet of Jesus will be a stronger image than Lazarus being raised from the dead.   Maybe Jesus’ humble refusal to defend himself will overshadow the violence of his scourging.   Or the Virgin Mary’s silent trust and love beneath the cross will be more powerful than the thunderclap and earthquake.

So try sitting quietly with the Lord every day this week.   Keep your Bible open on your lap as you ponder the Mass readings.   If your mind wanders or you become distracted, gently turn your attention back and try again. Jesus has a message for you this week. Let his words open your heart to hear what he wants to say . . . to you.

word among us