09/11/2026
LORD, PROTECT ME AND MY FAMILY AS WE GO ABOUT OUR WORK TODAY. BRING US ALL BACK TOGETHER SAFELY AND HAPPY. AMEN.
VERSE OF THE DAY for Friday, September 11, 2026
I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
—Psalm 121 : 1-2
THOUGHTS ON TODAY’S VERSE
In a world of startling beauty and a universe of dazzling diversity, our hearts are to be drawn back to the One who made it, now sustains it, and reveals part of himself in his creative genius (Romans 1:19-20; Psalm 8:1, 3-4). Our God has revealed himself as our Abba Father (Romans 8:15-16), who knows us, will help us, and lives in us (John 14:18, 21, 23). We can look on the created beauty of our universe and say with confidence, "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth," who is also my Abba Father.
MY PRAYER
Almighty Creator, Incredible Architect and Majestic Engineer, your creative work absolutely bewilders and delights us. Being so beyond us, you astound us even more when we realize that you care for each of us individually, knowing us intimately from our conception to old age. With all the things of such vast importance, we find your desire to know and love us both humbling and reassuring. Today we will worship, work, and witness to your greatness before others, aware of your constant presence, help, and care. Thank you, dear Father, for being glorious and also near us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
DAILY READING AND MEDITATION
Friday, September 11
Thursday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
READINGS
Reading I
1 CORINTHIANS 9 : 16-19, 22b-27
If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel. For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.
Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.
Responsorial Psalm
PSALM 84 : :3, 4, 5-6, 12
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God.
My soul longs, indeed it faints
For the courts of the Lord
My heart and my flesh sing for joy
To the living God.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God.
Even the sparrow finds a home
And the swallow a nest for herself
Where she may lay her young
At your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God.
Happy are those who live in your house
Ever singing your praise
Happy are those whose strength is in you
In whose heart are the highways to Zion.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield
He bestows favour and honour
No good thing does the Lord withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God.
Gospel Acclamation
John 17 : 17
R. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Your word, O Lord, is truth; make us holy in the truth.
R. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Gospel
LUKE 6 : 39-42
Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s[a] eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.
MEDITATION
Blinded by Self
Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6 : 39)
As we continue reading from Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, we encounter what is arguably the shortest parable in all of Scripture—just two brief rhetorical questions: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” Though concise, these lines present a powerful metaphor. Jesus places this parable within a broader moral discourse that warns against rash judgment and exhorts us to mercy. Just before today’s Gospel, He commands, “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). In this context, the parable becomes a pointed reminder that those who are spiritually blind should not presume to lead others, lest they both stumble into error.
This parable illustrates the importance of interior conversion before we attempt to guide others in the moral life. If we are blinded by pride, sin, or ignorance, we risk not only hurting ourselves but leading others astray as well. In that case, our failure to change—rooted in self-deception—becomes a stumbling block for those we influence.
In a modern context, consider a counselor who gives harmful advice to someone in deep distress, a lawyer who misrepresents a client due to incompetence, or a doctor who negligently ignores clear signs of illness, resulting in greater suffering. In each case, the one entrusted with another’s care fails in his duty, not necessarily out of ignorance, but often due to pride, laziness, or complacency.
Spiritual blindness is even more dangerous. As the context of this parable suggests, it stems especially from judging, condemning, and refusing to forgive. These sins are destructive because they are cloaked in a false sense of righteousness. Judgment and condemnation foster pride, and pride blinds the soul to the profound depth of divine mercy we are called to extend—even toward those who have gravely wronged us.
Immediately following this parable, Jesus offers three maxims that apply directly to its message. First, He says, “No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” This affirms the need for humility and proper formation in the spiritual and moral life. We must become true disciples of Christ, submitting ourselves to His instruction, before presuming to teach or correct others in His name.
Second, Jesus asks, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” This descriptive image exposes the hypocrisy of focusing on the minor faults of others while remaining blind to our own far more serious sins.
Finally, He declares, “You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.” Only when we are purified by grace—when the blinding beam is removed from our own spiritual eyes—can we assist others in seeing the truth. Then, and only then, will our guidance flow from charity rather than pride, from wisdom rather than presumption.
Reflect today on whether you try to guide others while remaining spiritually blind yourself. Consider moments when you may have judged, condemned, or withheld forgiveness, thinking you were justified. If so, recognize that Christ does not condemn you, but lovingly calls you to be healed by restoring your spiritual vision with His grace. Only through humility, honest self-examination, and sincere repentance can we be made clear-sighted and truly helpful to others.
“Most humble and perfect Lord, in Your human nature, You were the perfect expression of the Father’s love, shining light into the darkness of our lives by revealing Your truth and mercy. Help me always to humble myself before You and to remain open to the formation You offer, so that I may not only draw closer to You, but also become a more faithful and powerful instrument of Your presence in the world. Jesus, I trust in You.”
OTHER SOURCE OF MEDITATION
Friday (September 11): Do you not see the log in your own eye?
Are you clear-sighted, especially in your perception of sin and the need for each of one of us to see ourselves correctly as God sees us - with our faults,weaknesses, and strengths? Jesus' two parables about poor vision allude to the proverb: Without vision the people perish! (Proverbs 29:18) What can we learn from the illustration of a blind guide and a bad eye (the log in the eye)? A bad eye left untreated and a blind guide can cause a lot of trouble that will only end in misery and disaster for us! We can only help and teach others what we have learned and received from wise teachers and guides. And how can we help others overcome their faults if we are blinded by our own faults and misperceptions? We are all in need of a physician who can help us overcome the blind spots and failing of own sins, weaknesses, and ignorance.
Overcoming blind spots in our own lives
The Gospel of Luke was written by a disciple who was trained as a physician. Luke, with keen insight, portrays Jesus as the good physician and shepherd of souls who seeks out those who desire healing, pardon, and restoration of body, mind, and spirit. Jesus came to free us from the worst oppression possible - slavery to sin, fear, and condemnation. Like a gentle and skillful doctor, the Lord Jesus exposes the cancer of sin, evil, and oppression in our lives so we can be set free and restored to wholeness. A key step to healing and restoration requires that we first submit to the physician who can heal us. The Lord Jesus is our great Physician because he heals the whole person - soul and body, mind and heart - and restores us to abundant life both now and for the age to come in his everlasting kingdom.
Thinking the best of others
The Lord Jesus wants to heal and restore us to wholeness, not only for our own sake alone. He also wants us to be his instruments of healing, pardon, and restoration for others as well. What can hinder us from helping others draw near to Jesus the divine Physician? The Rabbis taught: "He who judges his neighbor favorably will be judged favorably by God." How easy it is to misjudge others and how difficult it is to be impartial in giving good judgment. Our judgment of others is usually "off the mark" because we can't see inside the other person, or we don't have access to all the facts, or we are swayed by instinct and unreasoning reactions to people. It is easier to find fault in others than in oneself. A critical and judgmental spirit crushes rather than heals, oppresses rather than restores, repels rather than attracts. "Thinking the best of other people" is necessary if we wish to grow in love. And kindliness in judgment is nothing less that a sacred duty.
What you give to others will return to you
Jesus states a heavenly principle we can stake our lives on: what you give to others (and how you treat others) will return to you (Mark 4:24). The Lord knows our faults and he sees all, even the imperfections and sins of the heart which we cannot recognize in ourselves. Like a gentle father and a skillful doctor he patiently draws us to his seat of mercy and removes the cancer of sin which inhabits our hearts. Do you trust in God's mercy and grace? Ask the Lord to flood your heart with his loving-kindness and mercy that you may only have room for charity, forbearance, and kindness towards your neighbor.
"O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for thy name's sake. (Prayer of William Barclay, 20th century) "
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Seeing the speck in anothers eye, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"The word hypocrite is aptly employed here (Luke 6:42, Matthew 7:5), since the denouncing of evils is best viewed as a matter only for upright persons of goodwill. When the wicked engage in it, they are like impersonators, masqueraders, hiding their real selves behind a mask, while they portray anothers character through the mask. The word hypocrites in fact signifies pretenders. Hence we ought especially to avoid that meddlesome class of pretenders who under the pretense of seeking advice undertake the censure of all kinds of vices. They are often moved by hatred and malice. Rather, whenever necessity compels one to reprove or rebuke another, we ought to proceed with godly discernment and caution. First of all, let us consider whether the other fault is such as we ourselves have never had or whether it is one that we have overcome. Then, if we have never had such a fault, let us remember that we are human and could have had it. But if we have had it and are rid of it now, let us remember our common frailty, in order that mercy, not hatred, may lead us to the giving of correction and admonition. In this way, whether the admonition occasions the amendment or the worsening of the one for whose sake we are offering it (for the result cannot be foreseen), we ourselves shall be made safe through singleness of eye. But if on reflection we find that we ourselves have the same fault as the one we are about to reprove, let us neither correct nor rebuke that one. Rather, let us bemoan the fault ourselves and induce that person to a similar concern, without asking him to submit to our correction."(excerpt from Sermon on the Mount 2.19.64)
VISITATIONS: (Daily Contacts From His Heart to Ours by Miriam Grosjean)
Quiet your mind with thoughts on your world to come. What has already occurred is past history and cannot be changed so do not dwell on it. The evil one will bring troubling thoughts in your mind and only you can erase them with the will to do so. Speak not about them for it only opens the wound. Learn to rise above problems and your character will be enhanced. Praying for others is a quick relief for your own situation and will take the mind off yourself. Associate with Christian friends, those that have tendency to pick you up. Allow laughter to ring out for it is medicine to the soul. Go to My word often for guidance. Let your life be a challenge and do not settle for a dull daily existence. Even the dullness of your daily chores can be lifted when I have been invited in. Keep learning of Me and become more like Me. This is My will for you.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
—Proverbs 3 : 5-6
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord; "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
—Jeremiah 29 : 11
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
—Ephesians 6 : 11-13
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
—Luke 6 : 38
SAINT QUOTE OF THE DAY
As far as I am concerned, I always want to entrust myself madlyto God’s providence.
—Saint Jane Frances de Chantal
Thank you for reading. Father, thank your for your radical love and unending mercy. Please teach me true humility, help me accept my wrongdoings and ask for forgiveness, accept and respecs other peole, and try to be a good person you can be proud of. Please let your all-encompassing love overcome our sins, fears, and wrong beliefs. Thank you for always keeping your door of reconciliation open to sinners like me. Please help me remember that my challenges and burdens are also blessings from you; and help me endure them with love and faith in you. Please remember to pray for the 2,996 persons who perished during the September 11th attack. Please God, never again. Happy Friday everyone. Stay safe and keep the faith, God bless!
