Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 13, 2019
First Reading: 1 Timothy 1.1-2, 12-14
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,2To Timothy, my true child in the faith:Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.12I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,13though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,14and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 16
1Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.2I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."3As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.4The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.5The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.6The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.7I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.8I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.9Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.10For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.11You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Gospel: Luke 6.39-42
39He also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?40A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.41Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?42How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in 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.