Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 13, 2024
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 9.16-19, 22b-27
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.
Psalm 84
1How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!2My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.3Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young- a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.4Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah5Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.6As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.7They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.8Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah9Look upon our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.10Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.11For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.12O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.
Gospel: Luke 6.39-42
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 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.