Daily Readings - Thu May 12 2022
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 passages that illuminate the tapestry of God's plan and the essence of servant leadership. The first reading from Acts 13:13-25 captures Paul's sermon in Antioch, where he recounts the history of Israel, tracing God's faithfulness from the Exodus to the kings, culminating in Jesus. This historical narrative serves as a foundation for understanding God's enduring plan and the fulfillment of His promises through Christ. The second reading from John 13:16-20 shifts focus to Jesus during the Last Supper, where He emphasizes humility and the fulfillment of Scripture through betrayal, underscoring the disciples' role in continuing His mission.
Both readings intertwine themes of divine plan and leadership. Paul's sermon highlights God's faithfulness and the progression of His plan through history, while John's passage emphasizes Jesus' humility and the fulfillment of Scripture. Together, they remind us that our roles as followers are rooted in humility and trust in God's providence.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace humility and trust in God's plan. Just as Paul and the disciples were called to serve with faithfulness, we too are summoned to live with humility and trust, knowing that God's plan unfolds in His time. Let us reflect on our own call to service and faith, trusting in God's providence as we navigate life's challenges.