Acts 13 : 13 – 25 / Psalm 88 : 2 – 3, 21 – 27 / John 13 : 16 – 20

St. Paul preaches for the first time since his conversion. He who once hated Christianity with a passion suddenly turns around and starts preaching about Jesus. He centered his message and preaching to the Jewish people and believers, as he spoke to them about the Messiah, the crucified and resurrected Christ.

Thus, reminding them of everything that God had done for their ancestors, His mighty deeds in Egypt. In short, he wanted them to know everything that God had done for them, and in how He gave them all His own most beloved Son for their salvation. This simply shows us that it is the power of God at work.

Also, at the end of this morning’s first reading, John the Baptist is quoted as saying, ‘I am not fit to undo his (Jesus’) sandals’. His dignity was so great that Paul makes reference to John the Baptist’s statement. Here, we see John the Baptist’s expression of humility before the Lord and Saviour of mankind.

The Gospel depicts this Lord and Saviour of mankind with great majesty and dignity, washing the feet of his disciples during the scene of the ‘last supper.’ By washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus presents them with the message of humility, love, and service. It was an extraordinary act of self-emptying and self-giving love.

Again, in washing their feet, Jesus was showing them what faithful service of him looks like. It means loving one another in the same self-emptying way that he loves us. Jesus looks to us to be faithful to his way of life, which is a way of love, even when others are turning away from him (The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me, Judas Iscariot’s betrayal).

Therefore, friends, nothing is to be done out of jealousy or vanity; instead, out of humility of mind everyone should give preference to others, everyone pursuing not his selfish interests but those of others. Make your mind like that of Christ Jesus (Phil. 2:3-5). This ‘mind of Christ’ is rooted in humility, love, service, obedience, and sacrificial self-giving love which he demonstrated.

In other words, we don’t find happiness by looking for it, but by seeking to serve each other with the same self-emptying love as the Lord had served us. That is why, brothers and sisters in Christ, all of us are called and reminded to be exemplary in our lives and faith, so that we may inspire one another in our journey of faith and in proclaiming the Good News of God by our own worthy and faithful lives.

Rosary Prayer: Luminous Mysteries

Mass intentions: Praying for the sick and vulnerable especially those who are seriously suffering from any form of cancerous disease especially Theresa Aparece – Tobilla. I also pray for the daughter of Claudia Rizzo for healing and divine liberation from Satan and against any inordinate human desire.