Daily Readings - Thu May 07 2020
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 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.