FIRST READING
The beginning of the first Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy
“I formerly blasphemed, but I received mercy.” 1 Timothy 1:1-2.12-14
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope, to Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank him who has given me strength for this, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service, though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 16:1-2a and 5.7-8.11 (R. see 5a)
R. It is you O Lord, who are my portion.
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord.”
O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;
you yourself who secure my lot. R.
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel,
who even at night directs my heart.
I keep the Lord before me always;
with him at my right hand, I shall not be moved. R.
You will show me the path of life,
the fullness of joy in your presence,
at your right hand, bliss forever. R.
ALLELUIA John 17:17ba
Alleluia. Your word, O Lord is truth; sanctify us in the truth. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 6:39-42)
“Can a blind man lead a blind man?”
At that time: Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Today’s Reflection
At a time when everyone is in a mad rush, everyone wants to be at the top, everyone wants to lead and control, Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel to “be careful”. If you want to lead others and be in control, first lead yourself. If you cannot lead and control yourself, then you cannot lead and control others. We often point fingers at others for the very same offenses we are guilty of. In our quest to overrule others, we blame everyone except ourselves for anything and everything. Jesus tells us emphatically: “Remove the log in your own eyes,” so we can see clearly. He calls us to be concerned about our own sanctification and not preoccupy ourselves with judging others while unmindful of our own faults. Set a high standard for oneself, but be gentle with others.