Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 13, 2019
First Reading: 1 Timothy 1.1-2, 12-14
1Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the authority of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope2to Timothy, beloved son in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord12I give thanks to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he has considered me faithful, placing me in the ministry13though previously I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and contemptuous. But then I obtained the mercy of God. For I had been acting ignorantly, in unbelief14And so the grace of our Lord has abounded greatly, with the faith and love that is in Christ Jesus
Psalm 16
1The inscription of a title: of David himself. Preserve me, O Lord, because I have hoped in you2I have said to the Lord: "You are my God, so you have no need of my goodness.3As for the saints, who are in his land: he has made all my desires wonderful in them4Their infirmities have been multiplied; after this, they acted more quickly. I will not gather for their convocations of blood, nor will I remember their names with my lips5The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup. It is you who will restore my inheritance to me6The lots have fallen upon me with clarity. And, indeed, my inheritance has been very clear to me7I will bless the Lord, who has bestowed understanding upon me. Moreover, my temperament has also corrected me, even through the night8I have made provision for the Lord always in my sight. For he is at my right hand, so that I may not be disturbed9Because of this, my heart has been joyful, and my tongue has exulted. Moreover, even my body will rest in hope10For you will not abandon my soul to Hell, nor will you allow your holy one to see corruption11You have made known to me the ways of life; you will fill me with joy by your countenance. At your right hand are delights, even to the end
Gospel: Luke 6.39-42
39Now he told them another comparison: "How can the blind lead the blind? Would they not both fall into a pit40The disciple is not above his teacher. But each one will be perfected, if he is like his teacher41And why do you see the straw that is in your brother’s eye, while the log that is in your own eye, you do not consider42Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, allow me to remove the straw from your eye,’ while you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? Hypocrite, first remove the log from your own eye, and then will you see clearly, so that you may lead out the straw from your brother’s eye
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about grace, humility, and the importance of self-reflection. The first reading from 1 Timothy reveals Paul’s deep gratitude for the mercy he has received despite his past sins. Once a blasphemer and persecutor, Paul humbly acknowledges that God’s grace transformed his life, enabling him to become a minister of the Gospel. This passage reminds us that none of us are beyond God’s mercy and that our past does not define us when we turn to Him in faith.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message with Jesus’ teachings on hypocrisy and true leadership. Jesus warns against the dangers of judging others while ignoring our own faults, using the vivid image of a plank in one’s own eye. He emphasizes that we must first examine and correct ourselves before attempting to guide or correct others. This teaching calls us to humility and self-awareness, urging us to lead by example rather than by empty words.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Like Paul, we are called to acknowledge our shortcomings and trust in God’s mercy. Like the disciples in the Gospel, we are challenged to lead with integrity, ensuring that our actions align with our words. In our daily lives, this means cultivating humility, seeking self-reflection, and embracing the grace that transforms us. Let us strive to be people of genuine faith, living in such a way that others may see the love of Christ shining through us.