Daily Readings - Thu May 15 2025
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 the missionary work of Paul and the profound teachings of Jesus, each offering insights into leadership, service, and trust. The first reading from Acts 13:13-25 recounts Paul's sermon in the synagogue, where he traces Israel's history and presents Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise. This passage highlights Paul's role as a leader and preacher, spreading the Gospel beyond the Jewish community. The Gospel from John 13:16-20 captures Jesus teaching his disciples about true leadership through service and humility, while also predicting betrayal, emphasizing trust and divine plan.
Both readings intertwine themes of leadership and trust. Paul, as a missionary, embodies servant leadership, while Jesus teaches that true greatness lies in serving others. The prediction of betrayal in the Gospel reminds us that challenges and disappointments are part of the journey, yet trust in God's plan remains steadfast. These themes connect as they both call us to embrace our roles as servants and leaders, trusting in God's providence even amidst adversity.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own leadership and service. Whether in our communities, workplaces, or families, we are called to lead with humility and serve with love. Trusting in God's plan, even when faced with challenges, strengthens our faith. Let us strive to follow Jesus's example, serving others and trusting in His divine plan, ensuring our actions reflect our commitment to Him and His community.