The Lord GOD has given me
a well-trained tongue,
That I might know how to speak to the weary
a word that will rouse them. (Is 50:4a)
This is the final day of Lent. Tomorrow begins the Triduum, the three holy days of Easter.
Today’s first reading from the Prophet Isaiah begins with the words, “The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, That I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.” Isaiah is speaking, of course, about the long-awaited Messiah. He continues to describe a faithful messenger who would not rebel or turn back from his mission, even going the distance and giving himself over to his enemies if need be.
All that would be fulfilled in the person of Jesus. He came to speak a word to His people, a word that would rouse their hearts that had become dulled with sin. He was able to speak this word because He was the Word. He was from God, Himself. He was God.
Yet, this did not stop His enemies. They waited. They bided their time. And when opportunity arose, they snatched it, having Jesus arrested, tried, convicted, condemned, and executed all in record time. That is the way of the world. It does everything it can to eradicate the message of Jesus.
The message, however, must be delivered. Since the Lord’s ascension to heaven, He has entrusted that message to us. Sadly, we do not have the same constitution as the person of whom Isaiah speaks. We are afraid. We do not set our face like flint. We often cower in fear.
Brothers and sisters, this is the time to act. Jesus has given us a message of love and peace, of justice and harmony. He asks us to give that message to His world, to our world. Will we live in fear? Or, will we allow the grace of God to come into our lives and embolden us to speak the words He has entrusted to each and every one of us.
I pray that your Lent was a good and holy one. May you reap the fruits of a good Lent the next few days in the most holy days of the sacred Triduum!
FAITH ACTION: Isaiah spoke about having a well-trained tongue so as to glorify God. He has given us well-trained tongues as well and asked us to proclaim His Good News in our world. Speak to the “weary” a word that will rouse them today.
The last opportunity for confessions
is at 6:00 p.m. this evening.