Isaiah 50:4-7
The First Reading deals with the way the Servant of God faces adversity. Also called the Suffering Servant, the Christic figure does not flinch in the face of extreme adversity. Rather, he stands steadfast and resolute despite the barrage of loathsome insults that humanity hurls at him. His real suffering in silence is no act of cowardice but made possible as the result of his reliance upon God Who provides him with the power not merely persevere against his persecutors but to be become stronger than them all.
Mark 14:1-15:47
The Passion according to Mark depicts the Son of God’s voluntary descent in perfect obedience all the way to death on the Cross. Intentional disciples understand everything as the work of God’s love that will make possible Easter joy and victory. Genuine followers of Jesus imitate Jesus by participating in His anguish and suffering as sincerely as possible by means of which we come to encounter the Risen Lord.
