Daily Readings - Fri Sep 09 2022
1 Corinthians
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.
Luke
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 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.