Daily Readings - Fri Sep 11 2020
1 Corinthians
16Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!17If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.18What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it.19Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
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
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.