Daily Readings - Fri Sep 09 2022
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
In today's readings, we hear St. Paul and Jesus offering profound insights into the nature of service and self-awareness. St. Paul, in his First Corinthians, emphasizes the importance of selfless dedication to spreading the Gospel. He humbly accepts his role as a servant, adapting to various circumstances to reach all people. He uses the analogy of a race to illustrate the discipline and focus needed to achieve spiritual goals, reminding us that our efforts should be purposeful and directed towards eternal rewards.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the dangers of hypocrisy and the necessity of self-reflection. Using the parable of the blind leading the blind, He cautions against the futility of guiding others without first addressing our own shortcomings. Jesus further emphasizes this by pointing out the hypocrisy of noticing a small fault in someone else while ignoring a greater one in ourselves. This calls us to introspection and humility before we can truly help others.
These readings remind us that our faith must be lived out with both humility and purpose. Just as St. Paul adapted himself to serve others, we too should approach our mission with selflessness and dedication. At the same time, Jesus teaches us to examine our own lives before addressing the faults of others. By embracing these teachings, we can live out our faith authentically, fostering a community of compassion and genuine service. Let us strive to be humble servants, mindful of our own need for growth, and dedicated to the pursuit of holiness in all we do.