Hanging in There

Tuesday of Holy Week

Isaiah 49:1-6; John 13:21-33, 36-38

Doubt, denial, betrayal and abandonment are all on display in today’s readings. In Isaiah, God’s servant wonders whether his work has all be in vain and he has spent himself for nothing. Jesus, having given his disciples an example of humble and loving service in washing their feet, must confront the impending realities of Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial and his abandonment by virtually all of his closest disciples. 

Many people these days can identify with Jesus and Isaiah’s servant. Those deemed essential workers put their lives and potentially those of their families at risk every day, often without the equipment they need to stay safe. People who have worked for years to gain some measure of financial security feel it slipping away. Those who have diligently practiced social distancing and frequent hand washing see a curve of disease and death not bending very much, if at all. Families have had their worlds turned upside down. Their routines have been disrupted and their futures are in doubt.  

In the midst of this, Isaiah says, “Yet my reward is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God.” Jesus assures his disciples that his death will in fact be his glory, not only because it will mean the fulfillment of his mission but also because it will not be the end. Something greater and yet more glorious is on the other side. 

We live in that hope. We need to hang in there, do what we can and should, wait for the curve to bend and flatten, and remember that God is hanging in there with us, always.

—jc