💖 HOMILY - SEPTEMBER 13 💖

First Reading - 1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22-27

Gospel - Luke 6:39-42

The saying, “To err is human, to forgive is divine,” is a profound reminder of our shared imperfection and the call to extend mercy to others. We all make mistakes, and through them, we are reminded of our need for growth and learning. Today’s readings highlight the importance of embracing mercy, avoiding harsh judgment, and recognizing our shared responsibility in proclaiming the Good News.

In the first reading, Paul offers a powerful example of how to live out the Gospel. He sees his task of preaching not as a personal choice, but as a responsibility entrusted to him by God. Paul is driven by a deep sense of duty, adapting himself to the circumstances and needs of others in order to reach them where they are. He says, "I have become all things to all people," illustrating his commitment to ensuring that the message of the Gospel is accessible and relevant to everyone. Paul's approach challenges us to meet others with understanding and empathy, realizing that our actions and words should help others experience God's love and mercy in their unique situations.

This is a significant challenge for us, as it requires setting aside our own perspectives and preferences to truly understand others. When we take the time to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, we foster compassion and reduce misunderstandings. This allows us to build bridges of mercy and understanding, rather than walls of judgment.

The Gospel builds on this theme by teaching us not to be judgmental. Jesus reminds us that we should not focus on the faults of others while ignoring our own shortcomings. His command, "Do not judge," is not a call to ignore wrongdoing, but an invitation to humility and mercy. We are to correct others not with condemnation but with love and patience, remembering that we too are prone to error. When we judge others harshly, we risk becoming arrogant and blind to our own imperfections. Jesus uses the metaphor of the blind leading the blind to warn us of the dangers of self-righteousness and hypocrisy.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God's mercy in the way we interact with others. We are all on a journey toward perfection, and part of that journey involves making mistakes. Just as God shows us mercy, we are called to be merciful to others. This does not mean ignoring sin or wrongdoing, but approaching correction with a heart of compassion and understanding.

Paul’s example teaches us that true discipleship involves stepping into the lives of others with empathy and love. When we do this, we open ourselves to the possibility of forgiveness, healing, and growth—for both ourselves and those we encounter. In doing so, the Gospel comes alive in our lives.

Dear friends, we are all imperfect, and in our imperfection, we find our shared humanity. We all have moments of weakness, and when we encounter the mistakes of others, we are reminded of our own need for mercy. Let us strive to correct with love rather than condemnation, and to extend the same forgiveness that we hope to receive from God. Let us be mindful that it is not our place to judge others, but to help guide them with mercy, remembering that God is the ultimate judge of all actions.

May God grant us the grace to become more merciful, to forgive as we have been forgiven, and to reflect the love of Christ in all that we do.