Daily Readings - Fri Sep 10 2021
1 Timothy
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.
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
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.