Homily for Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle I, 2025) with the given structure:

📖 Readings

  • 1 Timothy 1:1–2, 12–14

  • Psalm 16:1b-2a, 5, 7–8, 11

  • John 14:23 (Acclamation)

  • Luke 6:39–42



Introduction

There is a funny story about a man who loved to complain about everyone in his small village. One day, he came home angry and told his wife, “People have so many faults—it’s exhausting to point them all out!” His wife gently replied, “Maybe God gave you two eyes, not to watch others, but to watch yourself.”

Today’s Gospel reminds us that it is far easier to see the speck in another person’s eye than to notice the log in our own.

The Word of God

  • 1 Timothy 1:1–2, 12–14: St. Paul reflects on God’s mercy. He was once a persecutor, yet Christ forgave him and entrusted him with ministry. It is humility, not pride, that makes us instruments of grace.

  • Psalm 16: A song of trust, celebrating God as our refuge and inheritance. It reminds us that real joy is not in judging others but in walking faithfully with God.

  • Luke 6:39–42: Jesus uses vivid images—the blind leading the blind, the speck and the log—to warn against hypocrisy. True discipleship requires self-examination and humility before guiding others.

Connection of the Readings

Paul acknowledges his past failures but lives in God’s mercy. The Psalmist rejoices in God’s faithful guidance. Jesus, in the Gospel, calls us to humility: before we presume to correct others, we must first allow God to correct us. Together, the readings invite us to move from judgment to compassion, from pride to mercy.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do I sometimes find it easier to point out the faults of others rather than confront my own weaknesses?

  2. How often do I allow God’s mercy to shape the way I see myself and others?

  3. Who might need encouragement from me today instead of criticism?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee Year & Synodality)

  • In the Jubilee spirit: Just as Paul received mercy, we are called to live as “pilgrims of hope,” offering forgiveness and understanding instead of judgment.

  • For the Synod on Synodality: Walking together means listening deeply, without prejudice, acknowledging our own blind spots, and valuing the dignity of others before pointing out their flaws.

Inspiration / Motivation

God’s mercy transforms our blindness into sight and our hardness into compassion. A community built on humility and mercy becomes a true sign of the Kingdom.

Quote

“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.” – Matthew 7:1

Final Thoughts

Instead of being blind guides who stumble, let us be disciples who see clearly because our eyes are fixed on Christ. When we let God heal our blindness, we become instruments of mercy and light for others.

Conclusion

The Gospel challenges us: before we try to change others, we must let God change us. The log must come out of our own eye before we reach for the speck in another’s.

Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You are patient and merciful with me even when I fail.
Remove the blindness from my eyes, the pride from my heart,
and the harshness from my words.
Fill me with humility and compassion,
that I may build up rather than tear down,
and reflect Your mercy in all I do.
Amen.

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