Daily Readings - Fri Sep 11 2020
1 Corinthians
16For if I preach the Gospel, it is not glory for me. For an obligation has been laid upon me. And woe to me, if I do not preach the Gospel17For if I do this willingly, I have a reward. But if I do this reluctantly, a dispensation is granted to me18And what, then, would be my reward? So, when preaching the Gospel, I should give the Gospel without taking, so that I may not misuse my authority in the Gospel19For when I was a free man to all, I made myself the servant of all, so that I might gain all the more22To the weak, I became weak, so that I might gain the weak. To all, I became all, so that I might save all23And I do everything for the sake of the Gospel, so that I may become its partner24Do you not know that, of those who run in a race, all of them, certainly, are runners, but only one achieves the prize. Similarly, you must run, so that you may achieve25And one who competes in a contest abstains from all things. And they do this, of course, so that they may achieve a corruptible crown. But we do this, so that we may achieve what is incorruptible26And so I run, but not with uncertainty. And so I fight, but not by flailing in the air27Instead, I chastise my body, so as to redirect it into servitude. Otherwise, I might preach to others, but become myself an outcast
Luke
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to humility, self-awareness, and authentic service. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul emphasizes his obligation to preach the Gospel, not for personal glory but out of love and duty. He compares his mission to an athlete training for a race, disciplining his body and adapting to all people so that he might save them. This passage reminds us that our faith is not about seeking rewards or recognition but about surrendering ourselves in service to others and to God. Paul’s willingness to become “all things to all people” is a powerful example of humility and selflessness.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of self-reflection. Using the vivid image of a log in one’s own eye and a straw in another’s, He challenges us to examine our own faults before judging others. This is not a call to ignore the flaws of others but to approach them with compassion and honesty, only after we have acknowledged and addressed our own shortcomings. Jesus reminds us that true leadership and guidance come from a place of humility and integrity, not from a position of moral superiority.
These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the need for self-awareness and humility in living out our faith. Paul’s example of selfless service and Jesus’ teaching on hypocrisy encourage us to look inward first, to purify our own hearts, and to approach others with love and compassion. In our daily lives, this means being honest about our own weaknesses, seeking to grow in holiness, and serving others without seeking praise. Let us strive to be like Paul, who disciplined himself for the sake of the Gospel, and like Jesus, who calls us to humility and authenticity. May we become the light that guides others, not by our own strength, but by the grace of God.