I thought I had toiled in vain and for nothing, and uselessly spent my strength. We continue with our reflection on the theme of the suffering servant of God as today we listen to the second “song.” Unlike the passage from the first “song” which we heard yesterday, the passage we read today concerns not what God says about the suffering servant but rather what the suffering servant himself says (mostly about his vocation). The suffering servant of God has finally come to understand his calling, that although he might not be seeing the fruit of his/her sacrifices, what God has promised through him will be fulfilled (vindication). This sentiment of the suffering servant was surely shared in by the disciples who watched as the life of their master and teacher came to what must have seemed a tragic end. They too must have wondered if their own sacrifices were worth it or if it was all in vain. They too must have wondered what would become of them following the execution of their leader. Some of them had left lucrative careers to follow Jesus (think of Matthew the tax collector). Some of them might have broken ties with friends and family because of this path they had chosen to follow. Was it all in futility? When all shall have been said and done, will they have anything to show for it?
The suffering servant’s search for answers led to a reassuring answer: it was not in vain. His suffering would indeed be vindicated. God had it all planned and arranged, and the only response God expected was for the servant to cultivate a trusting faith that God’s promises would indeed be fulfilled.
Like the suffering servant, there will be times in our lives of faith when we will have the feeling of having toiled in vain. It will come a time when we too shall have the feeling of having been cheated in our attempts to faithfully live out our faith. And just like the suffering servant, if we dare listen attentively, we will hear the Lord telling us not to give up since he has plans for us and his promises never go unfulfilled. “Rise up and let your life light up the world,” we will hear God telling us, “for this is my plan for you: you will glory in my presence. I promised it, and my promises will never be broken.”