First reading 1 Timothy 1:1-2,12-14
I used to be a blasphemer, but the mercy of God was shown me
From Paul, apostle of Christ Jesus appointed by the command of God our saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope, to Timothy, true child of mine in the faith; wishing you grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, and who judged me faithful enough to call me into his service even though I used to be a blasphemer and did all I could to injure and discredit the faith. Mercy, however, was shown me, because until I became a believer I had been acting in ignorance; and the grace of our Lord filled me with faith and with the love that is in Christ Jesus.
Responsorial Psalm 15(16):1-2,5,7-8,11
You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.
I say to the Lord: ‘You are my God.’
O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;
it is you yourself who are my prize.
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel,
who even at night directs my heart.
I keep the Lord ever in my sight:
since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.
You will show me the path of life,
the fullness of joy in your presence,
at your right hand happiness for ever.
Gospel Luke 6:39-42
Can the blind lead the blind?
Jesus told a parable to the disciples: ‘Can one blind man guide another? Surely both will fall into a pit? The disciple is not superior to his teacher; the fully trained disciple will always be like his teacher. Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own? How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me take out the splinter that is in your eye,” when you cannot see the plank in your own? Hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take out the splinter that is in your brother’s eye.’
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Called to love, not to judge
“Before you judge my life, my past or my character… walk in my shoes, walk the path I have travelled, live my sorrow, my doubts, my fear, my pain and laughter. Remember, everyone has a story. When you live my life, then you can judge me.” (Unknown) In today’s gospel, Jesus invites us to step outside ourselves and engage with others, not through the lens of judgment, but with the open arms of acceptance, recognising everyone as our brothers and sisters. Each person has a story to tell, and we cannot see the struggles that lie beneath the shadows of their past. Therefore, we are called to ask for the grace to grow in our capacity to love and be compassionate.
Jesus beckons us to draw near to Him, encouraging us to experience His unconditional love, even amid our own brokenness, scars, and imperfections. Being loved by Jesus empowers us to relate to others with love, not judgment.
Reflective questions:
Do I often judge others and see them at their worst? How can I grow in love?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
