Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 13, 2024
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
In today's readings, we hear from St. Paul and Jesus, both emphasizing the importance of humility and genuine service. In the First Reading, St. Paul shares his commitment to spreading the Gospel, not for personal glory but out of obligation. He adopts various roles to connect with different audiences, likening his dedication to an athlete's rigorous training, striving for an eternal prize. This highlights his selflessness and discipline in serving others.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses vivid parables to caution against hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes. He questions how the blind can lead the blind and criticizes those who focus on others' faults while ignoring their own. Jesus emphasizes that true leadership comes from self-awareness and humility, urging us to address our own shortcomings before helping others.
These readings remind us to reflect on our own actions and attitudes. We are called to serve others without seeking recognition and to examine our own faults before judging others. By embracing humility and self-awareness, we can lead with integrity and compassion, embodying the teachings of Jesus and the example set by St. Paul. Let us strive to live with such humility, fostering a community built on mutual support and genuine care.