Daily Readings - Thu May 07 2020
Acts
13Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem,14but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.15After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it."16So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:"Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.17The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.18And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.19And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance.20All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.21Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.22And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, 'I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.'23Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.24Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.25And as John was finishing his course, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'
John
16Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.17If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.18I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, 'He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.'19I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.20Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through two significant moments in the narrative of our faith. The first reading from Acts 13:13-25 captures Paul's sermon in the synagogue of Antioch, where he traces the history of Israel, highlighting God's enduring promise and culminating in the arrival of Jesus as the savior. This passage underscores Paul's missionary work, as he connects the dots between Israel's past and the present revelation of Jesus Christ. The second reading from John 13:16-20 presents Jesus during the Last Supper, emphasizing the humble service expected of his disciples. Jesus clarifies that just as he serves, so too must his followers, and he warns of the betrayal that will unfold, reinforcing the theme of trust and fidelity.
Both readings are set in contexts of transition and revelation. Paul, in Acts, is on a missionary journey, addressing a Jewish audience to show how Jesus is the fulfillment of their scriptures. In John, Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure, teaching them about the nature of servant leadership and the challenges of faith. These passages relate through their emphasis on humility and service. Paul's recounting of Israel's history and Jesus' teaching both point to the necessity of staying grounded in one's spiritual heritage while embracing the call to serve others.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own role as servants of the Gospel. Just as Paul connected the past to the present, we too can draw strength from our spiritual roots. Jesus' words remind us that true greatness lies in serving others. As we navigate our own journeys, may we embrace humility and remain faithful to God's plan, trusting in His providence even amidst challenges. Let us strive to live as servants, recognizing that in serving others, we serve Christ, and through Him, we serve God.