Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 10, 2021
First Reading: 1 Timothy 1.1-2, 12-14
1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;2Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 16
1Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.2O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;3But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.4Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.5The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.6The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.7I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.8I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.9Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.10For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
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
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.