Daily Readings - Thu Apr 29 2021
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 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.