Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 10, 2021
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 of grace, humility, and self-awareness. The First Reading from 1 Timothy reveals Paul's heartfelt gratitude to God for transforming him from a blasphemer and persecutor into a faithful servant of the Gospel. This passage underscores the boundless mercy of God, who sees beyond our past mistakes and equips us for His purpose. Paul's journey reminds us that our worth is not defined by our past but by God's grace and our willingness to serve Him.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching about the dangers of hypocrisy. Using the parable of the blind leading the blind and the log in one's own eye, Jesus emphasizes the importance of self-reflection. He calls us to examine our own shortcomings before addressing those of others, highlighting the need for humility and authenticity in our interactions. This teaching challenges us to look inward, acknowledging our own faults, before attempting to correct others.
Together, these readings invite us to embrace a life of grace and humility. Paul's transformation illustrates God's mercy, while Jesus' teaching reminds us to approach others with compassion and self-awareness. As we apply these lessons to our daily lives, let us first examine our own hearts, allowing God's grace to transform us. Only then can we effectively guide and support others, living out our faith with humility and love.