Daily Readings - Fri Sep 13 2024
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
In today's readings, we hear from St. Paul and Jesus, both emphasizing the importance of humility and genuine service. In the First Reading, St. Paul shares his commitment to spreading the Gospel, not for personal glory but out of obligation. He adopts various roles to connect with different audiences, likening his dedication to an athlete's rigorous training, striving for an eternal prize. This highlights his selflessness and discipline in serving others.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses vivid parables to caution against hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes. He questions how the blind can lead the blind and criticizes those who focus on others' faults while ignoring their own. Jesus emphasizes that true leadership comes from self-awareness and humility, urging us to address our own shortcomings before helping others.
These readings remind us to reflect on our own actions and attitudes. We are called to serve others without seeking recognition and to examine our own faults before judging others. By embracing humility and self-awareness, we can lead with integrity and compassion, embodying the teachings of Jesus and the example set by St. Paul. Let us strive to live with such humility, fostering a community built on mutual support and genuine care.