Gospel: April 30, 2026
April 30, 2026 (Thursday)
4th Week of Easter
Psalter: Week 4 (White)
St. Pius V, pope
Ps 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 & 27
Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
1st Reading: Acts 13:13-25
From Paphos, Paul and his companions set sail and came to Perga in Pamphylia. There, John left them and returned to Jerusalem, while they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. On the Sabbath day they entered the synagogue and sat down. After the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent this message to them, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the assembly, please speak up.” So Paul arose, motioned to them for silence and began, “Fellow Israelites and, also, all you who fear God, listen. The God of our people Israel chose our ancestors; and after he had made them increase during their stay in Egypt, he led them out by powerful deeds. For 40 years he fed them in the desert; and after he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. All this took 450 years. After that, he gave them Judges, until Samuel the prophet. Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul, son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin; and he was king for 40 years. After that time, God removed him and raised up David as king, to whom he bore witness saying: I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will do all I want him to do.
It is from the descendants of David that God has now raised up the promised Savior of Israel, Jesus. Before he appeared, John proclaimed a baptism of repentance for all the people of Israel. As John was ending his life’s work, he said: ‘I am not what you think I am, for, after me, another one is coming, whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.’
Gospel: John 13:16-20
Truly, I say to you, the servant is not greater than his master, nor is the messenger greater than he who sent him. Understand
this, and blessed are you, if you put it into practice.
I am not speaking of you all, because I know the ones I have chosen, and the Scripture has to be fulfilled which says: The one who shares my table will rise up against me. I tell you this now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you may know that I am He.
Truly, I say to you, whoever welcomes the one I send, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes the One who sent me.”
Reflection:
“No servant is greater than his master.”
After washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility and service by stating, “No servant is greater than his master.” By taking on the servant role, Jesus offers a compelling example of true discipleship—selfless love, humility, and a willingness to serve others, even in the most menial tasks. His actions and words demonstrate that our capacity to serve determines greatness in God’s kingdom.
This passage challenges Christians today to adopt a countercultural perspective on leadership and discipleship. In a world often driven by power, status, and self-interest, Jesus calls us to embody his humility and prioritize the needs of others over our own. True discipleship is not about seeking recognition; instead, it is about reflecting Christ’s love through acts of service and compassion.
This also invites us to reflect on our role as witnesses to the world. By living as humble servants, we embody the heart of Christ and inspire others to experience the transformative power of His love.
