Readings of the Day
First Reading: 1 Timothy 1:1–2, 12–14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16– “It is you, O Lord, who are my portion.”
Gospel: Luke 6:39–42
Reflection
Dear friends in our Lord Christ, today’s first reading gives us Saint Paul’s humble testimony. Once a blasphemer, persecutor, and opponent of the Church, he now acknowledges with deep gratitude that it was not his own merit but God’s mercy and grace that made him an apostle and servant of the Gospel.
Paul knew he was unworthy. Yet he also knew that God’s grace overflowed for him with faith and love in Christ Jesus. His story is a reminder to us: we too are unworthy, yet by Christ we are made worthy.
At every Mass, we echo this truth. In the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest prays: “Giving you thanks that you have held us worthy to be in your presence and minister to you.” We also say before Communion: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof…” Both prayers remind us that it is God who qualifies the unqualified, who calls the unworthy and makes them worthy.
From this reflection, we can draw important lessons for our daily walk with God. Like Saint Paul, we must humbly admit our failings and not pretend to be holier than others, for without God’s mercy none of us could stand. We must also live in constant gratitude, remembering that everything we are and everything we have comes from His grace. Recognizing our unworthiness should make us humble before God and before one another. When we see how much God has done for us, it should stir us to serve Him wholeheartedly, just as Paul did. And since God has chosen to make us sinners worthy, we cannot look down on others, for the same God who called us calls them as well. Finally, knowing our unworthiness is never an excuse to remain the same; rather, it is a challenge to grow and to become better, just as Paul the persecutor became Paul the great evangelizer.
Now, as we reflect today, let us ask: despite my weakness, how has God blessed me? Despite my sins, how far has His mercy carried me? And most importantly, how do I respond? With pride and self sufficiency, or with gratitude, humility, and service?
May the Most Holy Name of Mary intercede for us today. She, too, recognized her lowliness, and yet the Almighty did great things for her. Through her prayers, may we grow in humility, gratitude, and faithfulness.
Amen 🙏 🙏
Pal Ronnie
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