God’s Call and Our Response
Have you ever felt like your life was meant for something more—something sacred, something eternal—yet at times, all you see are the cracks and failures along the way? Today’s readings invite us into that tension: the divine calling etched into our very being, and the fragile, human ways we respond to it. From the prophet Isaiah’s reflection on being called from the womb, to the psalmist’s unwavering trust through every stage of life, and finally to the heartbreaking betrayal and denial in The Gospel of John, we’re reminded that God’s plan continues to unfold, even when we falter.
In the first reading, the Servant of the Lord speaks of being formed from the womb with a divine mission—not just for Israel, but for the entire world. This theme of divine purpose echoes through the Book of Psalms, where the psalmist proclaims, “from my mother’s womb you are my strength”, and recognizes God as a lifelong refuge. These texts are steeped in the prophetic tradition, where personal vocation and communal salvation intersect. Isaiah wrote during the Babylonian exile, a time when hope was fragile and identity as God’s people was deeply shaken. Yet, even then, the promise was clear: salvation will reach the ends of the earth. This mission is universal, and it is rooted in a God who calls and equips—even when we feel ineffective or unworthy.
Then comes The Gospel of John, with its sobering portrayal of betrayal and denial on the eve of Christ’s Passion. Judas, one of the Twelve, chooses to walk away, and Peter—passionate but human—will soon crumble in fear. And yet, Jesus is not derailed. Even in the moment of deepest human failure, He declares, “Now is the Son of Man glorified”. God’s redemptive plan does not depend on our perfection but persists through our brokenness. What does this mean for us, who are also called from the womb, yet stumble in our response? Today’s readings assure us that God’s faithfulness is the anchor that steadies our calling, and His grace is the light that transforms even our darkest nights.
First Reading – Isaiah 49:1-6
Called from the Womb, Sent to the World
The Book of Isaiah, especially chapters 40–55 known as “Second Isaiah,” was written during the Babylonian Exile—a time of spiritual crisis, national defeat, and longing for redemption. In this moment of despair, the prophet introduces the figure of the “Servant of the Lord,” a mysterious person who is chosen by God not only to restore Israel, but also to bring light to the nations. Today’s passage, the second of the Servant Songs, presents a divine calling that predates birth itself. It reveals that God’s salvific plan is not a reaction to human events, but a preordained mission unfolding throughout history. For Christians, this Servant finds his ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, but the message also speaks to every believer: you were called from the womb, formed for a divine purpose, and sent forth for the sake of others. The reading draws us into the heart of today’s theme—God’s enduring call and our fragile, often faltering, human response.
Isaiah 49:1-6
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
The Servant of the Lord
1 Hear me, coastlands,
listen, distant peoples.
Before birth the Lord called me,
from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.
2 He made my mouth like a sharp-edged sword,
concealed me, shielded by his hand.
He made me a sharpened arrow,
in his quiver he hid me.
3 He said to me, You are my servant,
in you, Israel, I show my glory.
4 Though I thought I had toiled in vain,
for nothing and for naught spent my strength,
Yet my right is with the Lord,
my recompense is with my God.
5 For now the Lord has spoken
who formed me as his servant from the womb,
That Jacob may be brought back to him
and Israel gathered to him;
I am honored in the sight of the Lord,
and my God is now my strength!
6 It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant,
to raise up the tribes of Jacob,
and restore the survivors of Israel;
I will make you a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Detailed Exegesis
Verse 1 – “Hear me, coastlands, listen, distant peoples. Before birth the Lord called me, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.”
This opening verse sets a global stage—“coastlands” and “distant peoples” refer to the Gentiles, indicating that the Servant’s message is universal. Being called and named from the womb reveals divine foreknowledge and election. This mirrors the calling of prophets like Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5) and ultimately prefigures the Incarnation of Christ, whose name was announced before His birth (Luke 1:31). The emphasis on pre-birth calling underlines the sacredness of every human life from conception.
Verse 2 – “He made my mouth like a sharp-edged sword, concealed me, shielded by his hand. He made me a sharpened arrow, in his quiver he hid me.”
The Servant is not only chosen but equipped—his words are compared to a sword and an arrow, both instruments of precision and impact. This verse speaks to the power of God’s Word, echoing Hebrews 4:12: “the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword.” Being hidden in the quiver suggests a time of preparation and waiting, reminding us that mission often requires silence, solitude, and patience.
Verse 3 – “He said to me, You are my servant, in you, Israel, I show my glory.”
Here, the Servant is both identified with and distinguished from Israel. He represents the ideal Israel—faithful, obedient, and glorifying God. In Christ, this verse reaches its fullness: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory” (John 1:14). For us, it’s a call to live in such a way that God’s glory is revealed through our lives.
Verse 4 – “Though I thought I had toiled in vain, for nothing and for naught spent my strength, yet my right is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God.”
The Servant expresses discouragement—a very human emotion. Even in divine mission, feelings of failure can arise. Yet the verse pivots from despair to trust. The Servant entrusts justice and reward to God, not to human applause. This is the model of Christ in His Passion, who “entrusted himself to the one who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23).
Verse 5 – “For now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength!”
This verse reinforces the Servant’s divine origin and mission: to restore the lost tribes of Israel. The honor and strength he possesses come not from status but from divine commission. Just as God called Moses to deliver Israel and Mary to bear the Messiah, He calls each of us to a life of purpose grounded in His strength, not our own.
Verse 6 – “It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
This is the climax of the Servant’s mission. God’s plan is never narrow—Israel’s restoration is just the beginning. The true scope is global salvation. This verse is fulfilled in Christ, the Light of the World (John 8:12), and carried on by His Church, commissioned to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). It reminds us that God’s vision for our lives is often far bigger than we imagine.
Teachings
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that every human person has a unique vocation rooted in divine love: “God calls man first. Man may forget his Creator or hide far from his face… but the living and true God tirelessly calls each person to that mysterious encounter known as prayer” (CCC 2567). This echoes the Servant’s calling from the womb—our lives are not accidents, but responses to a call that originates in the heart of God.
The mission of the Servant is also the mission of the Church. As the Catechism affirms: “The Church, in Christ, is like a sacrament—a sign and instrument, that is, of communion with God and of unity among all men” (CCC 775). The Servant’s light to the nations foreshadows the Church’s universal mission to be a beacon of truth, mercy, and salvation. Saint Augustine beautifully noted, “The Church is the world reconciled”—a statement that reflects the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
The saints, too, resonate with today’s reading. Saint Teresa of Calcutta often said, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” That image mirrors the Servant’s role as an arrow, a tool shaped for divine precision. Like her, we are all instruments in God’s quiver, called to participate in a mission that began long before we were born and will echo into eternity.
Reflection
Today’s reading is a profound invitation to rediscover your personal vocation. Do you believe God formed you for a mission that began before you were even born? The Servant’s journey includes preparation, discouragement, and ultimate purpose—an arc that mirrors many of our own spiritual lives. We may feel ineffective, tired, or hidden. But God sees the full picture. Can you entrust your “recompense” to Him, even when results are invisible?
Ask God to show you the “coastlands” He has called you to reach—whether that’s your children, your coworkers, or your neighbors. How can you be a light in your corner of the world? Let today be a reminder that God’s calling is not just for the saints or the prophets—it’s for you. And His salvation, entrusted to the Servant, continues through your words, your love, and your witness.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 71:1–6, 15, 17
A Lifetime of Trust
The Book of Psalms captures the full spectrum of human emotion in relationship with God—joy, grief, doubt, trust, praise, and longing. Psalm 71 is especially meaningful as it gives voice to the experience of an older believer looking back on a life shaped by divine faithfulness. Traditionally categorized as a prayer of lament and trust, this psalm is a personal plea for continued protection and strength in old age, grounded in the memory of God’s saving acts since birth. The historical and religious context suggests a time when old age could bring vulnerability, marginalization, or fear of abandonment—yet the psalmist boldly proclaims a lifetime of trust in the Lord. This fits seamlessly with today’s readings from Isaiah and John: just as the Servant was called from the womb and Christ remained faithful even amidst betrayal, this psalm reflects a heart that has clung to God through every season, declaring His justice and love no matter the circumstances.
Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Prayer in Time of Old Age
1 In you, Lord, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
2 In your justice rescue and deliver me;
listen to me and save me!
3 Be my rock of refuge,
my stronghold to give me safety;
for you are my rock and fortress.
4 My God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked,
from the clutches of the evil and violent.
5 You are my hope, Lord;
my trust, God, from my youth.
6 On you I have depended since birth;
from my mother’s womb you are my strength;
my hope in you never wavers.
15 My mouth shall proclaim your just deeds,
day after day your acts of deliverance,
though I cannot number them all.
17 God, you have taught me from my youth;
to this day I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
Detailed Exegesis
Verse 1 – “In you, Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.”
This opening line is a declaration of dependence and a prayer of hope. The psalmist seeks safety in the Lord, using the language of sanctuary. “Shame” in ancient Hebrew thought represents public disgrace or spiritual failure. The plea is not merely for safety but for honor to be upheld through God’s protection.
Verse 2 – “In your justice rescue and deliver me; listen to me and save me!”
The psalmist appeals to God’s justice, which in the biblical context is more about right relationship and covenant faithfulness than strict judgment. This justice becomes the basis for divine intervention, a theme that resonates with the saving mission described in Isaiah 49. The repetition of “rescue,” “deliver,” and “save” emphasizes urgency and trust.
Verse 3 – “Be my rock of refuge, my stronghold to give me safety; for you are my rock and fortress.”
This verse returns to powerful imagery of stability and protection. A rock and fortress symbolize security, especially in a world where enemies and natural threats were constant. This is not abstract theology; it is the psalmist’s lived reality of divine strength in the face of danger and aging.
Verse 4 – “My God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked, from the clutches of the evil and violent.”
The threats are real—evil, violence, oppression. Yet the psalmist does not despair; he turns to God with specificity. This verse illustrates how honest prayer can be, naming enemies and asking for concrete deliverance while maintaining spiritual trust.
Verse 5 – “You are my hope, Lord; my trust, God, from my youth.”
This is not new faith—it is tried and tested. The psalmist reflects on a lifelong relationship with God, from youth until now. The word “hope” here is active, not passive; it means confident expectation rooted in divine fidelity.
Verse 6 – “On you I have depended since birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength; my hope in you never wavers.”
This verse echoes Isaiah 49 and amplifies the theme of divine accompaniment from the very beginning of life. The reference to the womb underscores the sacredness of life and God’s intimate involvement in our formation. Strength and hope are not circumstantial—they are constant because they are grounded in the Eternal.
Verse 15 – “My mouth shall proclaim your just deeds, day after day your acts of deliverance, though I cannot number them all.”
Here, praise becomes the natural response to memory. The psalmist acknowledges that God’s saving actions are too many to count, but that doesn’t stop him from proclaiming them. It is a call to bear witness—an essential part of the faithful life, especially in later years.
Verse 17 – “God, you have taught me from my youth; to this day I proclaim your wondrous deeds.”
This final verse of the psalm today reflects spiritual maturity. The psalmist has learned from God, and now his role is to proclaim. It reminds us that as we grow older, we are called not to fade into silence but to speak more loudly of God’s glory.
Teachings
The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that God’s love and call extend from the womb to old age. Paragraph 1008 teaches: “Death is a consequence of sin. But for those who die in Christ’s grace, it is a participation in the death of the Lord, so that they can also share his Resurrection.” Psalm 71, voiced by one nearing the end of life, is steeped in this hope. It shows that trust in God transcends time and even mortality, a lifelong echo of baptismal grace.
In Deus Caritas Est, Pope Benedict XVI writes: “The Christian’s program—the program of the Good Samaritan, the program of Jesus—is ‘a heart which sees.’ This heart sees where love is needed and acts accordingly.” The psalmist’s prayer is not just for protection but is also a call to become a witness. His proclamation of God’s justice is not passive praise but an act of love—teaching, encouraging, and strengthening others in the community of faith.
Saint Jerome once said, “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” Psalm 71 invites us to remember, reflect, and proclaim. It reminds us that knowing God is not simply about doctrine or youthfulness but about cultivating a personal history of grace. It’s about growing in faith through every stage of life and sharing that journey with others—especially the young who still need models of enduring fidelity.
Reflection
Psalm 71 is a gift to anyone who has lived long enough to experience both God’s deliverance and the trials that prompt such pleas. Can you recall moments in your life when God was your rock and refuge? Whether you are in youth, middle age, or old age, this psalm is a call to anchor yourself in God’s justice and to proclaim His goodness boldly and constantly.
What story of God’s faithfulness can you tell today? Maybe it’s the way He carried you through illness, anxiety, heartbreak, or fear. Maybe it’s the quiet way He strengthened your heart in dark nights of the soul. Ask the Lord to help you remember—and then to proclaim. There is someone near you who needs to hear that God does not abandon us, that He is faithful from the womb until our final breath.
Like the psalmist, let your mouth speak of His just deeds and wondrous works. Will you be a living testimony of what it means to trust God all your life long? This is not just an invitation—it is your vocation.
Holy Gospel – John 13:21–33, 36–38
When Love is Met with Betrayal
The Gospel of John is distinct from the Synoptic Gospels in its deeply theological lens and profound focus on the divinity of Christ. Chapter 13 marks a pivotal shift in the narrative, as Jesus gathers with His disciples for the Last Supper. It is here that He begins what scholars call the “Farewell Discourse”—a series of intimate teachings and revelations given just before His Passion. Today’s passage plunges us into a moment of profound emotional tension. Jesus, fully aware of the betrayal and denial awaiting Him, chooses not to recoil, but to proceed in love, obedience, and trust in the Father’s plan. In light of our theme—God’s call and human response—this Gospel exposes the fragility of the human heart: one called will betray, another will deny, and yet salvation marches forward. It is a powerful reminder that God’s plan does not rely on our perfection, but on His unwavering love.
John 13:21-33, 36–38
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
21 When he had said this, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. 23 One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. 24 So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. 25 He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” So he dipped the morsel and [took it and] handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. 27 After he took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 [Now] none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or to give something to the poor. 30 So he took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.
31 When he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 [If God is glorified in him,] God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. 33 My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.
Peter’s Denial Predicted. 36 Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered [him], “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” 37 Peter said to him, “Master, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”
Detailed Exegesis
Verse 21 – “When he had said this, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.’”
Jesus’ “troubled” heart reveals His humanity. The double “Amen” adds solemnity and certainty to His statement. The betrayal is not just a prophetic fulfillment; it is a wound to the intimacy Jesus has shared with His disciples. This verse introduces the emotional gravity of sin within relationship.
Verse 22 – “The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant.”
Confusion and denial sweep through the room. The disciples’ inability to comprehend reveals both their closeness with Judas and their blindness to the spiritual battle unfolding. This moment foreshadows how easily even the faithful can miss the signs of sin in themselves and others.
Verse 23 – “One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side.”
This beloved disciple—traditionally understood to be John—represents the ideal of closeness with Christ. His position next to Jesus allows him intimate access, both physically and spiritually. This intimacy enables him to ask what others hesitate to voice.
Verse 24 – “So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant.”
Peter’s gesture shows his concern and confusion. Although bold, Peter often relies on others for insight. His curiosity is tinged with fear—he senses the weight of what’s about to unfold.
Verse 25 – “He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, ‘Master, who is it?’”
This posture of intimacy reveals not only the closeness of John to Jesus but the heart of a disciple seeking truth directly from the Lord. This question is one of love, not suspicion—an attempt to understand the heart of Jesus’ sorrow.
Verse 26 – “Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.’ So he dipped the morsel and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot.”
Sharing a morsel was a sign of honor in Jewish tradition. That Jesus offers it to Judas heightens the tragedy—betrayal comes cloaked in the gesture of friendship. It reflects Psalm 41:10: “Even my trusted friend, who ate my bread, has raised his heel against me.”
Verse 27 – “After he took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, ‘What you are going to do, do quickly.’”
Judas’ acceptance of the morsel symbolizes his full commitment to betrayal. The entry of Satan signals that Judas has given himself over to darkness. Jesus’ response is one of control and surrender—He allows Judas to act, knowing that God’s plan will still triumph.
Verse 28 – “Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him.”
Even in their proximity to Jesus, the disciples remain spiritually blind to the depth of what is occurring. This underscores the mystery of divine will and the disciples’ ongoing struggle to fully understand Jesus’ mission.
Verse 29 – “Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him, ‘Buy what we need for the feast,’ or to give something to the poor.”
This practical assumption reveals their trust in Judas’ role and their ignorance of his deceit. It also reflects how easily appearances can mask intentions, warning us to remain spiritually vigilant.
Verse 30 – “So he took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.”
John’s detail—“it was night”—is not just temporal but symbolic. Darkness has fallen, not just outside but within Judas’ soul. He exits into the night, both literally and spiritually, turning from the Light of the World.
Verse 31 – “When he had left, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.’”
The departure of Judas sets into motion the Passion. Yet Jesus speaks of glory, not doom. His glorification is not in spite of betrayal but through it. This paradox is central to Christian faith: suffering becomes the path to divine glory.
Verse 32 – “[If God is glorified in him,] God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once.”
This mutual glorification between Father and Son reveals their perfect unity. Jesus’ surrender to the Cross is the hour of glory because it manifests the fullness of divine love and obedience.
Verse 33 – “My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.”
Jesus’ tone becomes tender—“My children”—conveying deep affection. His impending departure is both a warning and a preparation. The disciples must begin to walk in faith, not by sight.
Verse 36 – “Simon Peter said to him, ‘Master, where are you going?’ Jesus answered [him], ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.’”
Peter’s eagerness to follow is genuine, but premature. Jesus affirms that discipleship will eventually lead Peter to the Cross—but only in God’s timing. This is a lesson in humility and patience.
Verse 37 – “Peter said to him, ‘Master, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’”
Peter’s bravado reflects his love, but also his lack of self-knowledge. His zeal outpaces his readiness. This foreshadows his denial and the painful but necessary journey toward true discipleship.
Verse 38 – “Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.’”
Jesus gently but firmly reveals Peter’s coming failure. The repetition of “Amen” adds weight. Yet even in this, there is mercy—Jesus sees Peter’s future denial, but also his eventual restoration and mission.
Teachings
The Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks directly to the mystery of sin and the sovereignty of divine love. Paragraph 1851 states: “In his suffering and death, human sin, the greatest of all evils, is overcome by the abundance of God’s grace.” Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial are not the end of the story—God’s grace will redeem even these dark moments. This Gospel reveals that God’s plan is never thwarted by human failure; it is revealed through it.
Paragraph 1435 reminds us: “Conversion is accomplished in daily life by gestures of reconciliation, concern for the poor, the exercise and defense of justice and right.” Peter’s denial is not final; his later life will be one of bold proclamation and martyrdom. We, too, can fall—and rise—through grace and repentance. The Gospel shows us that failure does not define the disciple; surrender and return do.
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux once wrote, “What a joy to remember that our Lord is just—that He makes allowances for all our shortcomings and knows full well how weak we are.” This captures the heart of today’s Gospel. Jesus knew Peter would fall, and He still loved him. He washed his feet, fed him at the table, and gave him the keys to the Church. This is divine mercy in action—a love that calls, endures, and restores.
Reflection
Today’s Gospel invites us into a place of profound honesty. Have you ever made promises to God that you couldn’t keep? Have you ever turned away out of fear, pride, or shame? If so, you are in good company. Peter and Judas both faltered. One despaired; the other repented. Which path will you choose?
Jesus is not scandalized by our weakness. He sees it, names it, and still invites us to the table. Can you allow yourself to be loved even in your most broken places? That’s what true discipleship looks like—not perfection, but fidelity born of grace.
As you reflect on this Gospel, ask yourself: Where in my life am I being called to follow Jesus more closely? What temptations might lead me away from Him? Am I listening for His voice, even when I stumble? Today is a chance to return to the One who calls you by name, knowing that His love is stronger than your greatest failure.
Chosen, Tested, and Sent
Today’s readings weave a profound narrative of divine calling, human weakness, and unwavering mercy. From Isaiah 49, we heard the voice of the Servant, called from the womb and destined to be a light for all nations. In Psalm 71, we listened to the prayer of one who has walked with God through every season of life, trusting in His strength from birth through old age. And in John 13, we entered the most intimate and painful moments of Jesus’ journey toward the Cross—marked by betrayal, denial, and the promise of glorification. Together, these readings form a sacred mosaic of what it means to be called by God, to struggle in our response, and yet to be sustained and redeemed by grace.
The Church reminds us that each of us is the Servant—formed in love, equipped for mission, and invited to carry the light of Christ into a world often shrouded in darkness. We are also the psalmist—learning to proclaim God’s justice from the trials and triumphs of our lives. And at times, we are Judas or Peter—betraying the Lord or denying Him under pressure, only to discover that His love still seeks us out, still invites us back. Our God is not a God of one chance, but of infinite mercy and unwavering purpose.
So where is He calling you today? What is the light He has entrusted to you to carry? Let these Scriptures stir your heart to trust more deeply, to repent more honestly, and to love more boldly. You were called before you were born. You are held even in your failings. And you are sent—not because you are perfect, but because you are loved. Let your life echo today’s psalm: “My mouth shall proclaim your just deeds, day after day your acts of deliverance, though I cannot number them all.” Step forward in faith, and let your story become part of God’s great work of salvation reaching to the ends of the earth.
Engage with Us!
We’d love to hear how today’s readings touched your heart. What stood out to you? How is God speaking to you through His Word today? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’re on this journey together, growing as a community rooted in Christ’s love and guided by the Church’s wisdom. Your insights may be just what someone else needs to hear today!
Reflection Questions:
First Reading – Isaiah 49:1–6
How do you sense God calling you from the very beginning of your life? What mission has He placed on your heart that might be “too small” unless it’s opened to others as well? In moments of discouragement, where do you find your strength—do you turn back to God’s promises?
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 71:1–6, 15, 17
Have you taken time to reflect on the ways God has delivered you throughout your life? What would it look like to proclaim His wondrous deeds in your daily routine? How can you grow in trust, especially during seasons of uncertainty or aging?
Holy Gospel – John 13:21–33, 36–38
Have you ever felt like Peter—zealous in love but weak in follow-through? What areas of your life are vulnerable to denial or betrayal? How do you allow Jesus to restore and strengthen you after you fall short?
Let today’s Word stir you to live more intentionally in your faith—trusting that even in your weakness, God’s grace is enough. Walk in love, speak with mercy, and never forget that you are chosen, redeemed, and sent to be a light in this world. Do everything with the love and compassion that Jesus taught us—because in Him, even our brokenness becomes beautiful.
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