Daily Readings - Thu May 04 2023
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 God’s covenant with Israel, culminating in the arrival of Jesus as the Savior. Paul’s message is one of fulfillment, showing how Jesus is the pinnacle of God’s plan for His people. The second reading, John 13:16-20, finds Jesus at the Last Supper, imparting a lesson on servant leadership and foretelling the betrayal He will endure, emphasizing the unity between Himself and the Father.
The context of these readings is pivotal. Paul, on his missionary journey, is addressing a Jewish audience, linking Jesus to their rich history to illustrate the fulfillment of prophecy. This approach helps his listeners connect their traditions with the new covenant. In John’s Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, highlighting the challenges they will face and the importance of remaining faithful. Both readings underscore themes of divine mission and trust in God’s plan.
These passages relate through their emphasis on mission and trust. Paul’s historical recap in Acts mirrors Jesus’ words in John, both calling for faith in God’s plan. Paul shows God’s faithfulness through history, while Jesus prepares His disciples for future trials, reinforcing the importance of trust. Together, they remind us that our faith is rooted in God’s providence and that our actions reflect our commitment to His will.
Applying this to our daily lives, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when uncertain. Our faithfulness, like Paul’s and the disciples’, should manifest in our actions and decisions. Recognizing that our efforts, whether large or small, are part of a greater divine mission, we are encouraged to embrace our roles with dedication and love.
The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God’s providence and remain faithful. Just as Paul and the disciples trusted in their missions, we too must trust in God’s guidance. Our service to others is a reflection of our love for God, and through our actions, we embody the teachings of Christ. Let us strive to live with this trust and faithfulness, knowing that our efforts contribute to a larger purpose.