Daily Readings - Thu Apr 26 2018
Acts
13From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.14From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down.15After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak."16Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!17The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt, with mighty power he led them out of that country,18he endured their conduct for about forty years in the desert,19he overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to his people as their inheritance.20All this took about 450 years.21"After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years.22After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'23"From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised.24Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel.25As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you think I am? I am not that one. No, but he is coming after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.'
John
16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.18"I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.'19"I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He.20I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that guide us in understanding the essence of leadership and service. The first reading from Acts 13:13-25 presents Paul preaching in the synagogue at Antioch, tracing the history of Israel and highlighting God’s faithfulness. Paul connects this history to the coming of Jesus, emphasizing that the promise of salvation is fulfilled in Him. The second reading, John 13:16-20, captures Jesus during the Last Supper, where He underscores the importance of humility and unity among His disciples, urging them to follow His example of servant leadership.
The context of these readings is significant. Paul’s sermon in Acts is part of his missionary journey, where he seeks to connect the Jewish community with the message of Jesus, showing how He is the culmination of their history. In John’s Gospel, the setting is intimate, as Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, teaching them about true leadership and unity. Both readings highlight the themes of leadership and service, illustrating that true authority is rooted in humility and love.
These readings relate by emphasizing the call to serve and follow God’s plan. Paul’s sermon and Jesus’ teachings remind us that our roles are not about personal glory but about serving others. This call to service is universal, applicable in our daily lives. Whether in our communities, workplaces, or homes, we are invited to embrace humility and serve with love. The moral lesson here is clear: true leadership mirrors Jesus’ example, prioritizing the needs of others and remaining faithful to God’s plan.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we can embody servant leadership in our own lives. May we strive to serve with humility, unity, and love, following the path laid out by Jesus and proclaimed by Paul. In doing so, we not only honor God but also become instruments of His grace in the world.