Sermon – “Whoever receives the one I send receives me…” – April 30, 2026

In today's Bible, Jesus reminds us of a profound truth:

“Whoever receives the one I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” (John 13:20)

This statement shows us that God works through people. Jesus sends his disciples, servants, and apostles. And accepting these messengers is, in fact, accepting Jesus himself.

But there is a very important point here: The one sent proclaims Jesus, not himself. The true servant is not self-centered. He does not put his own thoughts or interests first. His task is to show Jesus, to introduce Jesus, and to direct people towards Jesus.

Therefore, we should ask ourselves this question:

What are we proclaiming to others? Ourselves, or Christ?

Jesus also calls us to receive and accept Him. Because accepting those He sends is to accept Christ Himself. This requires humility, because sometimes God speaks to us through very simple, ordinary people.

Perhaps a friend, a family member, someone in need… Can we see Jesus in them?

And one of the most powerful things Jesus ever said is this:

"If you know these things and put them into practice, then blessed are you!"

So, just knowing isn't enough. Just listening isn't enough. True happiness comes from living what we know.

We often know what's right: to love, to forgive, to serve, to think of others instead of ourselves…

But Jesus tells us today: Happiness begins when we put these things into practice.

So this Bible makes three calls to us:

• Let us be true witnesses, proclaiming Jesus, not ourselves.

  
  

• Let us welcome Jesus by accepting what he sent.

  
  

• And let's start living the truth we know.

May the Lord grant us the grace to be humble servants, to know Him and to reflect Him in our lives.

Because true happiness lies in putting Jesus' words into practice.

May the Virgin Mary always help us to follow the path that leads to true happiness.