The Suffering Servant of Deutero-Isaiah demonstrates exceptional strength and resilence, acquired through a docile attitude of listening 'morning after morning'. He realises it in his life that one must first experience what is to be transmitted to others. He keeps his gaze fixed ahead, though his tears mingle with the spittle cast upon his cheeks. The Servant remains strong and confident even in humiliation and utter defeat.

Jesus, who meditated on the Servant Songs of Isaiah, absorbed strength and dedication to the Father's will for Him, in the face of the ultimate treachery of His frustrated disciple. He was in full control of the events overtaking His life. He included Judas in the intimate circle at His most sacred meal. Judas had gone about his grim business in complete secrecy, or so he must have thought. But Jesus gave love's last appeal, to allow Judas to retract his treacherous intent.

One of the great mysteries of life is the respect that God has for the free will of any man or woman. He never coerces. He only appeals.

Jesus has given us an example. Nothing outside of us can ever rob us of our interior peace and dignity, unless we let it do so! Our God-given goodness will be all the more evident in our silent strength and serene love. Like Jesus we need to turn to the Scriptures for light.