Daily Readings - Thu May 16 2019
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 journey through two significant moments in the narrative of faith. The first reading from Acts 13 finds Paul addressing a synagogue, where he succinctly recounts Israel's history, from their origins in Egypt to the arrival of Jesus as the Savior. This historical account is not merely a recitation of past events but a bridge connecting the community's heritage to the present reality of salvation through Jesus. Paul's message is one of fulfillment, highlighting how Jesus embodies the culmination of God's promises.
In the Gospel of John 13, Jesus engages His disciples during the Last Supper, discussing themes of servant leadership and betrayal. He underscores the humility required in following Him, noting that a servant is not greater than the master. This passage also touches on the pain of betrayal, with Jesus foreseeing one of His closest disciples turning against Him. Yet, amidst this foresight, He emphasizes the importance of receiving His messengers as receiving Himself and the Father.
These readings intertwine the themes of divine plan and discipleship. Paul's address in Acts illustrates God's overarching plan, while John's passage delves into the personal challenges of following Jesus. Together, they call us to embrace humility and trust in God's plan, even when faced with adversity. In our daily lives, this means living as servants, trusting in God's providence, and being open to receiving others with the same grace we would extend to Christ. The moral here is clear: our faith is lived through humble service and unwavering trust in God's plan.