Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 11, 2020
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 9.16-19, 22b-27
16For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!17For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.18What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.23And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Psalm 84
1How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!2My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.3Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.4Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.5Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.6Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.7They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.8O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.9Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.10For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.12O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Gospel: Luke 6.39-42
39And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?40The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.41And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?42Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy 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.