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Tuesday of Holy Week

Tuesday April 15, 2025

Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of Holy Week

  • First Reading - Isaiah 49:1-6: The LORD has named and prepared me since birth to be His servant, making me an instrument of His will. Despite doubts of my impact, my faith remains in His valuation. Beyond restoring Israel, my calling is to be a light for all nations, spreading God's salvation worldwide.
  • Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 71: Seeking refuge in the Lord, I'm shielded by His righteousness. From my youth to now, He's been my fortress and guide. I vow to share His justice and the tales of His rescue, a testament to His enduring faithfulness.
  • Gospel - John 13:21-33, 36-38: During a meal, Jesus announced that one of his disciples would betray him, leading to confusion among them. After being asked by another disciple, Jesus identified the betrayer as Judas Iscariot by handing him a piece of bread, leading to Judas's departure. Jesus then spoke of his glorification and impending departure, indicating a separation from his disciples. Simon Peter's declaration of loyalty was met with Jesus's prophecy of Peter's denial.

Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.

John 13:21

Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of Holy Week

Tuesday of Holy Week presents several profound themes through its readings from Isaiah 49:1-6 and John 13:21-33, 36-38, reflecting on the deep and complex nature of Jesus's mission and the human responses to divine call and prophecy. Here are some key themes:

  • Servanthood and Divine Mission: The First Reading from Isaiah speaks of the Servant of the Lord, called from birth to serve God's purpose. This reflects Jesus's role as the ultimate servant, whose mission is to restore and enlighten not just Israel but all nations, emphasizing the universal scope of salvation.
  • Betrayal and Suffering: The Gospel reading highlights the betrayal of Jesus by one of his closest followers, Judas Iscariot. This act of betrayal sets the stage for the Passion of Christ, underscoring the themes of suffering and sacrifice that are central to Holy Week.
  • Divine Foreknowledge and Human Frailty: Jesus's prediction of Judas's betrayal and Peter's denial showcases his divine foreknowledge, juxtaposed with human weakness and the reality of failure among even the most devoted followers. This highlights the mercy and understanding of Jesus towards human frailty.
  • Glorification through Sacrifice: Jesus speaks of his glorification in the context of his departure, hinting at the cross as the paradoxical means through which glory is achieved. This theme invites reflection on how true glorification often comes through self-giving and sacrifice.
  • Faithfulness and Failure: The contrasting responses of Judas and Peter to Jesus's mission—betrayal versus a flawed yet sincere loyalty—offer a meditation on the complexity of faithfulness. They show that failure and weakness are part of the human condition, yet they also open a path to redemption and understanding.
  • Light to the Nations: Echoing the First Reading, Jesus's mission as a light to the nations is reaffirmed even in the face of betrayal and denial. This illustrates the unstoppable nature of God's salvific plan, extending beyond the immediate narrative to a universal horizon.

These themes for Tuesday of Holy Week collectively invite a deep and reflective engagement with the mystery of Jesus's Passion, the human condition, and the expansive reach of God's salvific plan during Holy Week.

Thoughts for Tuesday of Holy Week

The Mass readings for Tuesday of Holy Week invite us to contemplate the mystery of Jesus' suffering and death, as well as the significance of his sacrifice for our salvation.

In the first reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah (49:1-6), we hear the voice of the suffering servant who has been chosen by God to be a light to the nations. The servant speaks of his mission to bring justice and salvation to the ends of the earth, even though he himself will suffer rejection and persecution. This passage points to Jesus as the ultimate suffering servant, who willingly accepted the Father's will and offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins.

In the Gospel reading from John (13:21-33, 36-38), we see Jesus predicting his betrayal by Judas and his denial by Peter. Jesus knows that he will be handed over to his enemies, and yet he does not shy away from his mission. He tells his disciples that where he is going, they cannot follow him now, but that they will follow him later. This passage invites us to consider the cost of discipleship, and the importance of following Jesus even in the face of suffering and persecution.

As we reflect on these readings, we are reminded of the depth of Jesus' love for us, and the lengths to which he was willing to go to save us from sin and death. We are called to imitate his selflessness and obedience to the Father, even when it is difficult or painful.

This Holy Week, let us join Jesus on his journey to the cross, and entrust ourselves to his mercy and love. May we be strengthened by his example and grace, and may we be renewed in our commitment to follow him, even when the path is steep and rocky. Let us pray for the courage to take up our crosses and follow him, trusting in his promise of eternal life.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, as we reflect on your suffering and sacrifice during this Holy Week, help us to imitate your selflessness and obedience to the Father. Grant us the courage to follow you, even when the path is difficult, and to trust in your promise of eternal life. Amen.

Homilies and Reflections for Tuesday of Holy Week

Word on Fire: Judas the Betrayer

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on Tuesday of Holy Week, focusing on Judas's betrayal during the Last Supper as an expression of the "mysterium iniquitatis," the inexplicable presence of evil alongside good. He highlights the paradox of sin's isolation versus the communion of the sacred meal, noting that evil, while irrational and parasitic, persistently shadows the good. Barron underscores the symbolic power of Judas's betrayal, emphasizing its warning to those who, despite their closeness to Christ, partake in darkness, urging reflection on our own betrayals of Jesus.

USCCB Reflection: The Feet of Judas

This USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of Holy Week emphasizes confronting our personal betrayals of Christ, symbolized by Judas's betrayal during the Last Supper in John 13. It invites introspection on our sins, reminding us that Christ bore these sins on the cross, offering us forgiveness. Highlighting the moment Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, including Judas, it underscores Jesus's unconditional love, even towards those who betray him. This act of love serves as an example for us to forgive and love unconditionally. As Holy Week progresses, we're encouraged to participate fully, acknowledging Christ's sacrifice washing our souls with his blood, and to remember God sees the best in us.

Frequently Asked Questions for Tuesday of Holy Week

What date is Tuesday of Holy Week?

The next date is Tuesday April 15, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of Holy Week?

The Mass readings for Tuesday April 15, 2025 are:
First Reading - Isaiah 49:1-6: God's Servant
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 71: Finding Refuge in God's Strength and Faithfulness
Gospel John 13:21-33, 36-38: Jesus Foretells His Betrayal and Peter's Denial

What is significant about the readings for Tuesday of Holy Week?

The readings for Tuesday of Holy Week are significant because they delve into the themes of servanthood, betrayal, divine foreknowledge, human frailty, glorification through sacrifice, and the universal scope of Jesus's mission. These readings help believers reflect on the depth of Jesus's journey towards the cross and the complexity of human responses to divine love and calling.

How does the First Reading for Tuesday of Holy Week relate to Jesus?

The First Reading for Tuesday of Holy Week, from Isaiah 49:1-6, relates to Jesus by prophesying about the Servant of the Lord, who is called from birth to restore Israel and to be a light to the nations. This directly parallels Jesus’s mission and identity as the one who brings God’s salvation to the whole world, showcasing his role as the ultimate servant and savior.

Why is the theme of betrayal important on Tuesday of Holy Week?

The theme of betrayal is important on Tuesday of Holy Week because it underscores the human capacity for betrayal and sin, exemplified by Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus. This theme deepens the narrative of Holy Week, highlighting the cost of salvation and the depth of Jesus's love, who willingly faces betrayal and death for the sake of humanity.

What can we learn from Peter's denial as mentioned in the Gospel for Tuesday of Holy Week?

From Peter's denial, as mentioned in the Gospel for Tuesday of Holy Week, we learn about the vulnerability of even the most steadfast believers. Peter's eventual repentance and restoration also teach us about the power of forgiveness and redemption, emphasizing that failure is not the end but can be a step towards deeper faith and understanding.

How can the readings for Tuesday of Holy Week inspire Christians today?

The readings for Tuesday of Holy Week can inspire Christians today by reminding them of the depth of God’s love and the reality of human frailty. They encourage believers to reflect on their own responses to God’s call, the importance of faithfulness even in the face of challenges, and the universal message of hope and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. These reflections can motivate a more profound commitment to living out one's faith in service, love, and humility.

What is the message of hope in the readings for Tuesday of Holy Week?

The message of hope in the readings for Tuesday of Holy Week is found in the promise of salvation and light to all nations, as well as in the examples of forgiveness and redemption seen in Jesus’s responses to betrayal and denial. Despite the themes of suffering and human weakness, the ultimate message is one of victory and glorification through sacrifice, offering hope of new life and reconciliation with God.

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