CatholicJules.net

Why is it that we seem to see the faults and shortfalls of others ever so clearly yet see nothing of our own; let alone try to be and do better? If we cannot be faithful to friends and acquaintances by our comments when not in their presence, how can we be expected to be faithful to Jesus who sees or knows all whether or not we are aware of His presence?

We are ALL called to lead one another into Holiness even while there are some amongst us who are appointed leaders in our church or communities. If we do not lead others by example by attending daily Eucharist, going for Adoration and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation as often as we can, how can we perfected by Christ to lead His flock? St Paul shares with us today as he will again this Sunday of how his own conversion began through Christ Jesus our Lord. He acknowledged his own wayward ways, his ignorance and arrogance if you will at one time. But through believe and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ there was a great outpouring of grace, mercy and love upon him which transformed him to be more and more like his master. Let us therefore acknowledge our own sinfulness, our need for the grace and strength of our Saviour Jesus Christ so that we too can be better Shepherds for His flock.

Amen

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.

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.’