Daily Readings - Thu May 07 2020
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.
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
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.