September 13, 2024, Friday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time-B ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27
Psalm 84
Luke 6:39-42
The Lord withholds no good thing from those who walk without reproach. Psalm 84:12
“Remove the wooden beam from your eye first…” Luke 6:42
Lord, we know how irritating and annoying a speck of dirt in our eye can be. We must stop everything and wash it clear lest we trip or stumble. That little speck can prevent us from seeing clearly. We can be so quick to spot the faults and failings of others because they are often our own. We are very familiar with them. You urge us to get our own house in order before we judge another. Lord, I am far from perfect and probably never will be. How can I expect other people to be? If I don’t want to be judged by my neighbor, how can I judge him? You are the only true and perfect judge. Grant me freedom from the splinter in my eye. Show me what I need to wash away or change. Help me to give others a break and the benefit of the doubt. Lord, I dare not accept sin in my life or those around me. I commend myself and my brothers and sisters to your complete mercy and forgiveness. St. John Chrysostom pray for us. Amen.