Daily Gospel Reflection for September 11, 2026

Reflect on humility and self-examination in light of Jesus's teachings on judgment and compassion and embrace the call to serve others.

Today's Gospel: Luke 6:39-42

Few words of Jesus have been clearer than this message of the splinter and the beam, in my opinion. It reminds me of the famous story by G.K. Chesterton, who, when he was asked what is wrong with the world, replied, “I am.” It takes a tremendous amount of humility to acknowledge our own faults, while it is much easier to point out everyone else’s. Especially in the internet age, we can easily feel victorious in condemning others or showing what is wrong with the world. Only, we are what’s wrong. Our sin is what Christ died for. It is a lot harder to apologize to our spouse, serve our children, or sit next to that annoying person at Mass than it is to type up something snarky on the internet.

Jesus says,

“Remove the wooden beam from your eye first."

What a glorious gift we have in the Sacrament of Confession to rid ourselves of the beams that disfigure our vision! When we regularly examine our conscience—and come before the Lord in humility—we see our need for God, and it softens us to our brothers and sisters.

No disciple is greater than his teacher. We are not above God in judging others, and we are not above Him in practicing humility through service to others. The more we serve others, and walk a mile in their shoes, the more compassion we can have on them.

One thing I sometimes do when I’m feeling frustrated with certain people—or humanity in general—is to observe people in our parish walk up to receive Communion. Then I rejoice in the fact that God loves them as much as He loves me, that God created them and desires to dwell in them. It often levels the playing field.

Ponder:

Do I have the humility to see my own failings before the failings of others?

Pray:

Lord, forgive me for the times I have dwelt on another’s faults more than my own. Help me to grow in humility.

Pray Together:

At Mass, look at the parishioners around you and consider their value in  God’s eyes--how much God longs to love them and be with them, especially if they are very different than you. 

Copyright 2026 Allison Auth