Daily Readings - Fri Sep 11 2020
1 Corinthians
16For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!17For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.18What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.19For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.22To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.23I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.24Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.25Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.26So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.27But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Luke
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
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.