Daily Readings - Thu May 11 2017
First Reading - Acts 13.13-25
Acts
13Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.14But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.15And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.16Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.17The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.18And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.19And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.20And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.21And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.22And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.23Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:24When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.25And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
Gospel - John 13.16-20
John
16Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.18I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.19Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.20Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to humility, service, and trust in God’s plan. In the first reading from Acts, Paul preaches in the synagogue at Antioch, recounting the history of Israel and highlighting God’s faithfulness. He explains how God chose the Israelites, led them through the wilderness, and ultimately sent Jesus as the Savior. Paul’s words remind us that our faith is rooted in a long history of God’s love and providence. In the Gospel, Jesus humbles himself as a servant, washing the feet of his disciples, and teaches that true greatness comes from serving others. He also warns of betrayal, reminding us that even in the face of rejection, we must remain faithful to our mission.
Both readings emphasize the importance of humility and trust in God’s plan. Paul’s sermon in Acts shows how God’s plan unfolds over time, and how we are part of a larger story. Jesus, in the Gospel, models humility by serving his disciples, showing us that leadership is not about power but about love and sacrifice. These readings are connected by the theme of service and trust. Just as Paul trusted in God’s plan to preach the Gospel, Jesus trusted in his Father’s will, even when it led to suffering.
In our daily lives, we are called to embrace humility and service. Like Paul, we must trust in God’s plan, even when the path is uncertain. Like Jesus, we must be willing to serve others, even when it requires sacrifice. Let us ask ourselves: Am I living a life of humility and service? Am I trusting in God’s plan, even when it challenges me? May these readings inspire us to follow Jesus’ example, to serve others with love, and to trust in God’s providence.