Isaiah 49: 1-6; Psalm 71; John 13: 21-33, 36-38
Isaiah speaks the word of the Lord: “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” Obviously, Jesus is the light, but in the dark – “and it was night”—“during the supper with his disciples, Jesus was troubled in spirit…” Light and darkness are themes in John’s gospel. Jesus always stays in the light; there is no agony in the garden, but rather Jesus has a constant awareness that God will glorify him. What is his obedience? Not to injustice and abuse of power—neither the Sanhedrin’s, not Pilate’s, and certainly not his Father’s. God does not will that Jesus be so abused by the powers of darkness.
What does God will? Ask God. Be with Jesus in his “troubled spirit” and ask God, what do you passionately desire for this good, faithful and merciful man? Then just listen.
You formed him in the womb to bring Jacob back to him, to gather Israel. Now that he is lifted up, let all creation be drawn to him, gathered into one new family.