Daily Catholic Lectio
Fri, 13 Sep 2024
XXIII Week in Ordinary Time, Friday
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27. Luke 6:39-42
Qualifying oneself
Today’s readings speak to us about the journey of self-discipline and self-awareness. St. Paul and Jesus both challenge us to reflect on how we can “qualify” ourselves for the mission God has entrusted to us. This qualification is not about external achievements but about personal growth in virtue, love, and humility, so that we may serve others and live lives that reflect Christ. Paul’s challenge is radical. Many come to the playground, but only one wins. Paul invites us to be that winner.
1. Discipline for the sake of the gospel
In the first reading (1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27), St. Paul describes his commitment to preach the Gospel, not as something he boasts about but as a responsibility entrusted to him by God. He uses the metaphor of athletes who train rigorously to win a prize. Just as athletes discipline their bodies, we too must exercise self-discipline in our spiritual lives. This discipline qualifies us to serve God more fully and to be effective witnesses of the Gospel.
Our Christian life requires effort and perseverance. Like St. Paul, we must ask ourselves: Are we disciplining our minds, hearts, and actions to grow closer to God? Are we preparing ourselves daily to be better instruments of His love? True qualification comes from this ongoing formation in faith and virtue.
2. Humility before judgment
In the gospel reading (Luke 6:39-42), Jesus teaches us about the importance of humility and self-awareness before we attempt to correct others. The parable of the blind leading the blind and the warning about removing the plank from our own eye before pointing out the speck in our neighbour’s eye remind us that qualifying oneself begins with honest self-reflection. We cannot help others grow in holiness if we ourselves are blind to our own faults.
We are often quick to judge or point out the mistakes of others, but Jesus calls us to examine ourselves first. Are we aware of our own weaknesses? Do we approach others with compassion rather than judgment? True qualification requires humility and a willingness to grow in holiness ourselves before we guide others.
3. Qualifying ourselves through service
St. Paul reminds us that qualifying ourselves is not for personal gain but for the service of others. He says, “I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them.” Jesus, too, calls us to serve one another in love, not by exerting power or judgment, but by leading with humility and compassion. To be qualified in God’s eyes is to become a servant, imitating Christ’s self-giving love.
We qualify ourselves not by seeking status or recognition but by serving others. As St. Paul became “all things to all people,” we too are called to adapt, to be flexible, and to love others in ways that reflect their needs. How are we serving those around us? Are we striving to bring them closer to Christ by our example and love?
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The ‘pilgrims of hope’ qualify themselves through discipline, humility, and service. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 198)
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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