Is 42:1-7 Ps 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14 Jn 12:1-11

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections Praying Lent

“I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness” -Isaiah 42:6-7

As I prepare for Jesus’ crucifixion I am taking the time to reflection on why it happened. His ministry challenged Roman rule and upended the social order. He was born into the lowest of the low, he healed lepers, ate with tax collectors, and defended prostitutes.

Today’s reading from Isaiah reminds us that we are all called to emulate this ministry. It is a struggle though; that is why Jesus’ actions were startling to the Romans and why we still find them challenging today. This prophetic call to liberate the sick, the imprisoned, and those who “live in darkness” is especially important as we look towards the crucified Jesus. He died doing what God asked of him. He liberated the sick, the imprisoned, and those who “live in darkness.” What have we done in our own lives to honor that call, to liberate the sick, the imprisoned, and those who “live in darkness”?