THE SUFFERING SERVANT

 

The First Reading is the third of four servant songs. These songs in Isaiah point to Jesus as the “suffering Servant.” The servant was the “trusted envoy.” Deeply embedded in the psyche of the Israelites was the notion that the Messiah would come to save his people. He would overthrow the Roman forces and there would be a time of peace and security among the people. As Jesus’ life and ministry unfold, many see Him as the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies. Some, even up to this day, do not believe that Jesus is Messiah and so are still waiting for Him to come. In Old Testament history, Cyrus, the Persian military official, was one such messiah. King David, also believed by many in his time, was to be a messiah figure, too. Cyrus delivered Israel from Babylon but the servant would deliver the world from sin.

There is stark contrast between the servant and the nation of Israel. The servant speaks to the weary assisting the weak. Israel is so proud of their successes and shuns the weak from their midst. The servant responds to the voice of God. His ear is open. Israel is not responsive to the voice of God. The servant is obedient while Israel is disobedient and turns away from the Lord in ignorance and rebellion. The servant gladly suffers all for the sake of the Lord. His punishment is the just reward for the sins of Israel. The servant trusts in the Lord, unlike Israel who puts hope in foreign nations not lifting their eyes to God who sustains. The servant trusts that God will vindicate him, for revenge belongs to God.

We, too, are servants of the Lord God. Sometimes we suffer for the right cause. Sometimes we want to take revenge for the ingratitude shown to us. Nevertheless, the Lord is our hope. The suffering servant gives us an example of what it is to be a disciple. Morning by morning, our ears and eyes are to be open to His will in our lives. Every day is an opportunity to grow in our service to the Lord. Let us not grow weary of doing good. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

Reflection Question:

Do I suffer for the Lord? How?

 

Lord, let me be Your servant. Let me walk with You as the suffering servant. Amen.

 

St. Francis Page, pray for us.