Daily Readings - Thu Apr 29 2021
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 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.