Daily Readings - Fri Sep 13 2019
1 Timothy
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,2To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Luke
39He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?40A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.41"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?42How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about grace, humility, and the importance of self-reflection. The first reading from 1 Timothy reveals Paul’s deep gratitude for the mercy he has received despite his past sins. Once a blasphemer and persecutor, Paul humbly acknowledges that God’s grace transformed his life, enabling him to become a minister of the Gospel. This passage reminds us that none of us are beyond God’s mercy and that our past does not define us when we turn to Him in faith.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message with Jesus’ teachings on hypocrisy and true leadership. Jesus warns against the dangers of judging others while ignoring our own faults, using the vivid image of a plank in one’s own eye. He emphasizes that we must first examine and correct ourselves before attempting to guide or correct others. This teaching calls us to humility and self-awareness, urging us to lead by example rather than by empty words.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Like Paul, we are called to acknowledge our shortcomings and trust in God’s mercy. Like the disciples in the Gospel, we are challenged to lead with integrity, ensuring that our actions align with our words. In our daily lives, this means cultivating humility, seeking self-reflection, and embracing the grace that transforms us. Let us strive to be people of genuine faith, living in such a way that others may see the love of Christ shining through us.