The suffering that saves can take many forms. Isaiah, in the first reading describes two moments in his life. The first is his reading, meditating and assimilating the Word of God. The Word of God became so incarnated in him that he learned the possibility of redemptive suffering. The second moment arrives when he puts that meaning into practice as he endures the hatred and rejection of those who oppose him. In the face of their hate, Isaiah's faith comes to the fore as he realizes that God will be his ultimate vindicator.

Jesus' sufferings did not begin on the cross. More than the thorns and nails were the sufferings of abandonment, rejection and betrayal. We cannot but feel that pang of sadness which stabbed Jesus' heart as His betrayer (Judas) hurried on with his mission. More than any physical pain, the rejection and refusal of people to accept His love was and still is hurting to the Lord. Christ's suffering is being transformed into an ongoing redemptive moment. Suffering patiently enables us to bring God's love to those who oppose us. Therefore let us suffer for the love of God as Jesus did.