Daily Readings - Fri Sep 09 2022
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
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.