Psalm 71:1-12
Isaiah 49:1-6
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
John 12:37-38, 42-50

The main themes for today's readings are trust and belief in God.

Psalm 71:1-12 -- The psalmist is an elderly man who pleads with God to rescue him from his enemies. He states that all during his life God has never failed him and is still his refuge and strength. Now that he has reached old age he is not able to defend himself against violent foes. He pleads that God be not far from him and to come quickly to his aid.

Isaiah 49:1-6 -- This reading is known as The Second Servant Song. The Servant is Israel who is to bring God's message and restore justice to the nations. By serving God Israel will be glorified. Though his ministry seems futile his trust is in God who says he will make him a light to the nations so that God's salvation will reach to the end of the earth.

I Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Paul's message is that the gospel as preached by Christ Jesus is to be accepted and believed. He tells us that the saved are not the wise, or the powerful, or the noble, but those who believe in the risen Christ.

John 12:37-38 & 42-50 -- This portion of John's gospel deals with the conclusion of Jesus' public ministry and the refusal of the people to believe in him. Jesus addresses the spiritual blindness of the people and tells them that those who believe in Him believe not in Him but in God. He also states that he doesn't speak on his own authority but on God's who has told him what to say and speak.

As we conclude our Lenten journey may our trust and belief in God have been strengthened.