Daily Readings for April 26, 2018

1st READING 

Paul speaks to a Jewish crowd in the synagogue and he situates the Gospel within the context of events in the Old Testament. He wants to show them that Christianity flows from the Jewish faith, and how it would be a natural step for them to take if they believe what he is saying. Let us remain firm in our faith even though we may not completely understand it. May we always believe that our faith and its various aspects are a sensible and coherent body of teachings.

Acts 13:13-25

13 From Paphos, Paul and his companions set sail and arrived at Perga in Pamphylia. But John left them and returned to Jerusalem. 14 They continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered into the synagogue and took their seats. 15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the synagogue officials sent word to them, “My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” 16 So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said, “Fellow children of Israel and you others who are God-fearing, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt. With uplifted arm he led them out of it 18 and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert. 19 When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance 20 at the end of about four hundred and fifty years. After these things he provided judges up to Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king. God gave them Saul, son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 Then he removed him and raised up David as their king; of him he testified, I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish. 23 From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. 24 John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; 25 and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’”

P S A L M 

Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27

R: Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

1 [2] The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. 2 [3] For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. (R) 20 [21] “I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him, 21 [22] that my hand may be always with him, and that my arm may make him strong.” (R) 24 [25) “My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him, and through my name shall his horn be exalted. 26 [27] He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’” (R)

GOSPEL 

Jesus washes His disciples’ feet so that they will understand that service is the main trait of those who follow Him. Let us pray for the grace to serve God and seek opportunities to serve His people. A leader who is willing to serve in the most mundane and simplest task is an inspiration for others.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead. You have loved us and freed us from our sins by your Blood.

John 13:16-20

16 When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet he said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. 18 I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me. 19 From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. 20 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”