WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK, APRIL 13, 2022 Scripture
Reading: Isaiah 50:4–9a
Additional Scriptures: Psalm 70;
John 13:21–32; Hebrews 12:1–3
What is the meaning
of suffering? This is one of the most profound questions that confront the
human condition. In today's passage from Isaiah, we hear the musings of a
prophet who is seeking to make sense of the painful realities of exile and suffering.
In the LORD's court of opinion, the servant is righteous. Though suffering is
the thematic and structural center of Isaiah 50, the LORD's calling (verses
4--5) and vindication (verses 7--9) of the servant frames the passage on either
side. It is the LORD's initiative that defines both the vocation and destiny of
the faithful. God's help is the source of their confidence and hope in the
midst of suffering.[2]
Show the light of Thy Countenance upon us, O Lord, and
pour Thy blessing abundantly into our breasts; that our hearts, bedewed with
the gladness of Thy light, may know Thy way upon earth, and be glad in the full
knowledge of the holy faith among all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
Amen.[3]
Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave His body to be whipped
and His face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings
of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through
Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy
Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [4]
Merciful and everlasting God, You did not spare
Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all to bear our sins on the cross.
Grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in Him that we fear
not the power of sin, death, and the devil; through the same Jesus Christ, our
Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[5]
[1] Good
Friday copyright © Ed Riojas Higher Things
[3]A Holy
Week Collect © 2005 Lutheran Liturgical Prayer Brotherhood
[4]Collect
for Wednesday of Holy Week, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
[5]Collect
for Wednesday of Holy Week, Lutheran Service Week © 2006 Concordia Publishing,
St. Louis
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