Taste and See: The faithfulness of the Lord

The first reading of the Mass of Palm Sunday was taken from the prophet Isaiah.

The passage comes from the so-called Third Song of the servant.  In it we hear the suffering servant speak grateful for the faithfulness of the Lord, and his gifts, even as he suffers for his own faithfulness to the Lord.

The Lord has given me a disciple’s tongue.
So that I may know how to reply to the wearied he provides me with speech.
Each morning he wakes me to hear, to listen like a disciple.
The Lord has opened my ear.
For my part, I made no resistance, neither did I turn away.
I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who tore at my beard; I did not cover my face against insult and spittle.
The Lord comes to my help, so that I am untouched by the insults.
So, too, I set my face like flint; I know I shall not be shamed.

Isaiah 50:4-7

At this time hundreds in the diocese of Westminster alone are j in the final stages og their preparation for initiation into the Way of Christian discipleship, being readied for Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. During the catechumenate, their principal time of preparation, they will surely have already encountered many ups and downs in the way of faith.

But who knows what lies ahead of them?

• Pray for them in the coming days as they make their final preparation.
• Pray for their openness of heart and for their courage in the days, months, and years that lie ahead.

Image of Christ at the pillar, Cloister of St Trophime, Arles. (c) 2014, Allen Morris.

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Speak Lord: of how to listen and serve

This Sunday is Palm Sunday or, as it is denoted in the current English translation of the Roman Missal: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord.

The first reading of Mass comes from the prophet Isaiah. The passage comes from the so-called Third Song of the servant.  In it we hear the suffering servant speak grateful for the faithfulness of the Lord, and his gifts, even as he suffers for his own faithfulness to the Lord.

The Lord has given me a disciple’s tongue.
So that I may know how to reply to the wearied he provides me with speech.
Each morning he wakes me to hear, to listen like a disciple.
The Lord has opened my ear.
For my part, I made no resistance, neither did I turn away.
I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who tore at my beard; I did not cover my face against insult and spittle.
The Lord comes to my help, so that I am untouched by the insults.
So, too, I set my face like flint; I know I shall not be shamed.

Isaiah 50:4-7

• What has discipleship cost you?
• What help have you received from the Lord to serve him and be faithful?
• Where have you fallen short? How might you bring that falling short to the Lord for healing and mercy?
• What have you learnt from your experience of being a disciple? About the Lord? About yourself?

Crucifix and holy pictures in abandoned dwelling, Victoria, Gozo. (c) 2009, Allen Morris.