Daily Readings - Thu Apr 29 2021
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 encounter profound lessons on humility and service. The first reading from Acts 13:13-25 captures Paul's sermon in the synagogue, where he traces Israel's history and culminates in Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises. Paul's message is one of humility and faith, showing how God's plan unfolds through history. In the Gospel, John 13:16-20, Jesus emphasizes that a servant is not greater than the master, teaching the disciples about humility and unity. He warns of betrayal but assures them that receiving others is receiving Him and the Father.
Both readings highlight the importance of humility and service. Paul's recounting of Israel's history is not just a historical account but a humble acknowledgment of God's grace. Jesus' words challenge us to embrace a life of service, understanding that true greatness lies in humility. The connection between the readings lies in their emphasis on servanthood and unity, reminding us that our actions reflect our relationship with God.
Applying this to our lives, we are called to embrace humility in our interactions and service to others. Just as Paul and Jesus exemplified, we should approach life with a humble heart, recognizing that our service to others is service to God. The moral lesson here is the transformative power of humility and unity, urging us to live as servants of God, reflecting His love in our actions and fostering unity in our communities. Let us strive to embody this humility, allowing it to guide our daily lives and interactions.