The first reading is part of "The Servant's Song." The Servant is a mysterious figure in the Old Testament with a mission. He has been called to restore Israel and to be the light to the nations. Not only will he persevere in his mission but also, the transformation he brings to Israel will prevail forever. When Israel is restored, the rulers of the earth will be astonished and will acknowledge the kingship of Yahweh. In this way, the transformation brought by the Servant will reach the whole of humanity. Some scholars say that the Servant is a symbol of Israel, or the prophets Isaiah, or Jeremiah. Others say that it represents God himself. Christian tradition, however, sees in the Servant the pre-figured Jesus, who became human through the womb of a woman and who came not to be served but to serve. Through his passion, death and resurrection, Jesus brings glory to his Father and restores the relationship between God and humanity.

In the gospel passage, Jesus reminds his disciples about the true purpose of his mission. He is on his way to the Father. It is only through his departure from them will he be glorified and the Father be glorified and the salvation that he brings will reach the ends of the earth. In the days leading up to the Sacred Triduum, like the early disciples, we too are reminded by Jesus about his mission. We are called to enter deeply into his Paschal Mystery so that we may be restored by him.