The Rejected Servant (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

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This is also one of the Old Testament readings for Palm Sunday. For my previous reflection on the same passage, see The Vindication of the Servant.

This Old Testament reading is part of the third Servant Song of Isaiah, which begins at verse 4: “The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens—wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.” The purpose of this Servant Song is to highlight how the Servant will act as a teacher of the Lord who speaks words of comfort and encouragement to His people (v. 5).

However, the people reject him and subject him to insults and physical abuse (v. 6). Despite this, the Servant continues to do his task and does not turn back from it. He patiently awaits the vindication of the Lord, who will prove him innocent and condemn those who have rejected him (vv. 7-9).

This song, like the more famous one in Isaiah 52:13-53:12, prophesies the tribulations that the Messiah will experience. It connects with our Gospel reading, where Jesus predicts His own death well in advance of it actually happening (Mark 8:27-35). This shows that Jesus is well aware of what is coming, and is prepared to face it for the salvation of mankind. It also prepares us for His coming Passion, which we will reflect upon more fully when we get to the season of Lent.

J. Luis Dizon