Leadership and Lifestyle

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today alert us to the challenge of carefully choosing the lifestyle and leaders that guide us according to the model of love, humility, and compassion set by Jesus.

Lifestyle of Leadership

The Reading from the First Letter of Timothy urges Gratitude for God’s Mercy

* [1:12–17] Present gratitude for the Christian apostleship leads Paul to recall an earlier time when he had been a fierce persecutor of the Christian communities (cf. Acts 26:9–11) until his conversion by intervention of divine mercy through the appearance of Jesus. This and his subsequent apostolic experience testify to the saving purpose of Jesus’ incarnation. The fact of his former ignorance of the truth has not kept the apostle from regarding himself as having been the worst of sinners (1 Tm 1:15). Yet he was chosen to be an apostle, that God might manifest his firm will to save sinful humanity through Jesus Christ (1 Tm 1:16). The recounting of so great a mystery leads to a spontaneous outpouring of adoration (1 Tm 1:17). (1 Timothy, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.) (1 Timothy, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 16 rejects the futile worship of false gods.

* [Psalm 16] In the first section, the psalmist rejects the futile worship of false gods (Ps 16:2–5), preferring Israel’s God (Ps 16:1), the giver of the land (Ps 16:6). The second section reflects on the wise and life-giving presence of God (Ps 16:7–11). (Psalms, PSALM 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke continues the Sermon on the Plain. 

Luke’s sermon may be outlined as follows: an introduction consisting of blessings and woes (Lk 6:20–26); the love of one’s enemies (Lk 6:27–36); the demands of loving one’s neighbor (Lk 6:37–42); good deeds as proof of one’s goodness (Lk 6:43–45); a parable illustrating the result of listening to and acting on the words of Jesus (Lk 6:46–49). At the core of the sermon is Jesus’ teaching on the love of one’s enemies (Lk 6:27–36) that has as its source of motivation God’s graciousness and compassion for all humanity (Lk 6:35–36) and Jesus’ teaching on the love of one’s neighbor (Lk 6:37–42) that is characterized by forgiveness and generosity. (Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Kathy Kemler comments that, in the gospel, Jesus tells a parable to remind us of another truth. Jesus tells us that when we are ready to criticize another, take a step back and look within ourselves.

Often the reason we criticize another is because the same flaw, habit, tendency lies within us. We are repulsed when we see the flaw in action, because it is like looking in the mirror.  Jesus tells us to look inside because he is encouraging us to be better, in essence to open our eyes to the truth about ourselves so that we can move forward in a better way, for God’s greater glory.  This is mercy. This is God’s merciful love telling us, “Take time to reflect. As you want to judge another, is there something you want to bring to me for healing, love and mercy?” God is with us in our journey to the magis, to the more, always lifting us up and encouraging us. (Kemler, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Seeing the speck in another's 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) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 6:39-42 comments that while we may not experience as dramatic and sudden an intervention as Paul did, Jesus’ words are for all of us. He invites us to embrace humility and be open to seeing—and removing—any beams in our eyes: beams of judgment, unforgiveness, or habits that keep us from loving other people. Like Paul, we can welcome someone like Ananias by inviting them to pray for us.

When you see splinters in other people’s eyes, pause to remember how your own beams have blinded you. Just as Paul’s past life helped him to remain humble, so we can allow our own shortcomings to help us treat the people around us with gentleness and mercy.

“Lord, thank you for opening my eyes to see clearly and giving me the humility to love people as you love them.” (Meditation on Luke 6:39-42, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that first Timothy is one of the Pastoral Letters written in the name of Paul because theology, vocabulary and establishment of the Church are not the same as in Paul’s authentic letters. God is merciful and called him to be an apostle. Incredible mercy and compassion is celebrated by the author. The Gospel of Luke warns about choosing the blind as a guide. We need to listen to people of integrity. Don't judge and correct when we have faults in our life. God has given some more grace and sets the expectation that we act accordingly. Remove the beam blocking our vision before the splinter in the eye of others. Our own conversion is the best example shown in the true motivation for the good of the other. Friar Jude reminds us to sort out our judgement of others with the help of the Spirit.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, encourages us to bring our contemplative minds to the question of power and act according to the gospel. We must work hard to dismantle systems of domination, he emphatically states, together with our fellow Christian elders and leaders.

We believe our elected officials are called to public service, not public tyranny, so we must protect the limits, checks, and balances of democracy and encourage humility and civility on the part of elected officials…. 

We reject any moves toward autocratic political leadership and authoritarian rule…. Disrespect for the rule of law, not recognizing the equal importance of our three branches of government, and replacing civility with dehumanizing hostility toward opponents are of great concern to us. Neglecting the ethic of public service and accountability, in favor of personal recognition and gain often characterized by offensive arrogance, are not just political issues for us. They raise deeper concerns about political idolatry, accompanied by false and unconstitutional notions of authority. [2] 

What if we actually surrendered to the inner Trinitarian flow and let it be our primary teacher? Our view of politics and authority would utterly change. We already have all the power (dynamis) we need both within us and between us—in fact, Jesus assures us that we are already “clothed” in it “from on high” (see Luke 24:49)! (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to inform our decision to follow and support leadership based on love, care and compassion for all of God’s Creation as we seek to remove the obstacles.

References

Kemler, K. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved September 12, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-september-12-2025 

Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/6?39 

Meditation on Luke 6:39-42. (n.d.). Word Among Us Homepage. Retrieved September 12, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/09/12/1381441/ 

1 Timothy, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1timothy/1?1 

Psalms, PSALM 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/16?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 12, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/calling-for-good-power/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Do You Not See the Log in Your Own Eye? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 12, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=sep12 

Repentance and Righteousness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to take stock of the obstacles and distractions that lead us away from the humble piety and gratitude of being in a relationship with God.

Humility and Righteousness

The reading from the Prophet Hosea is a Call to Repentance in the face of impenitence of Israel and Judah.

* [6:2] After two days; on the third day: presumptuous Israel expects that soon God will renew them (cf. Ez 37).

* [6:5] The word of God proclaimed by the prophets is effective, it accomplished what it promised: punishment. (Hosea, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 51 is a prayer for Cleansing and Pardon.

* [Psalm 51] A lament, the most famous of the seven Penitential Psalms, prays for the removal of the personal and social disorders that sin has brought. The poem has two parts of approximately equal length: Ps 51:3–10 and Ps 51:11–19, and a conclusion in Ps 51:20–21. The two parts interlock by repetition of “blot out” in the first verse of each section (Ps 51:3, 11), of “wash (away)” just after the first verse of each section (Ps 51:4) and just before the last verse (Ps 51:9) of the first section, and of “heart,” “God,” and “spirit” in Ps 51:12, 19. The first part (Ps 51:3–10) asks deliverance from sin, not just a past act but its emotional, physical, and social consequences. The second part (Ps 51:11–19) seeks something more profound than wiping the slate clean: nearness to God, living by the spirit of God (Ps 51:12–13), like the relation between God and people described in Jer 31:33–34. Nearness to God brings joy and the authority to teach sinners (Ps 51:15–16). Such proclamation is better than offering sacrifice (Ps 51:17–19). The last two verses express the hope that God’s good will toward those who are cleansed and contrite will prompt him to look favorably on the acts of worship offered in the Jerusalem Temple (Ps 51:19 [20–21]). (Psalms, PSALM 51 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke 18.9-14 is the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax-Collector.

* [18:1–14] The particularly Lucan material in the travel narrative concludes with two parables on prayer. The first (Lk 18:1–8) teaches the disciples the need of persistent prayer so that they not fall victims to apostasy (Lk 18:8). The second (Lk 18:9–14) condemns the self-righteous, critical attitude of the Pharisee and teaches that the fundamental attitude of the Christian disciple must be the recognition of sinfulness and complete dependence on God’s graciousness. The second parable recalls the story of the pardoning of the sinful woman (Lk 7:36–50) where a similar contrast is presented between the critical attitude of the Pharisee Simon and the love shown by the pardoned sinner. (Luke, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB, n.d.)

Kimberly Grassmeyer comments that humility may be viewed in the behavior of our Gospel lesson's tax collector, while judgmental arrogance is seen in the behavior of the Pharisee.

The Pharisee's arrogance apparently blinds him to the truth that every child of God must face: we are all sinners.  We have no way of knowing how God sees one sin's value against another, and this parable makes clear that God will exalt that sinner who will humble herself to speak her truth.  It is the humility of the tax collector, and our own humility in acknowledging our flaws and sins as well as our gifts and talents, that God will reward.  

We are learning, growing, developing creatures that become ever-more wise, increasingly compassionate, and better models of Christ's teachings NOT when we lord ourselves over, or judge and condemn others, but when we focus inward and take true inventory of ourselves;  when we honestly and with great humility stand before our God, as did the tax collector, to acknowledge that we are not worthy of - have not earned - God's mercy, but get to receive it anyway. (Grassmeyer, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “God's mercy is our only hope,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Driven out of paradise by You and exiled in a distant land, I cannot return by myself unless You, O Lord, come to meet me in my wandering. My return is based on hope in your mercy during all of my earthly life. My only hope, the only source of confidence, and the only solid promise is your mercy." (excerpt from Commentary on Psalm 24,5) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 18:9-14 comments that when we come to pray, Jesus wants us neither to brag about our efforts and achievements nor to wallow in our failures and shortcomings. Both attitudes fix our attention on ourselves rather than on God, the One we approach in prayer. Instead, like that tax collector, we can simply acknowledge our sins and our profound need for God’s mercy and then move forward confidently, counting on his grace.

When you pray today, make sure you focus your attention on God rather than on yourself. It might help if you start off with some short declarations about him. Today’s responsorial psalm gives you a few to begin with: You, Lord, are merciful (51:3). You are compassionate (51:3). You are bountiful (51:20). You are kind (51:20). With your gaze fixed on the Lord, your prayer will always be on the right footing!

“O God, thank you for your amazing love and mercy.” (Meditation on Luke 18:9-14, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the fickle nature of the piety of the people addressed by the Prophet Hosea. New Testament authors see how the intervention of God after three days resonates with Jesus' Resurrection. Friar Jude cites the reconciliation of the tax collector to remind us that our contrition in Confession must recognize how our sins have damaged our hearts and the world.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces mindfulness teacher Susan Bauer-Wu who invites us into a way of praying with and for the Earth.

Notice your incoming breath—the air entering your nostrils, your mouth, filling up your belly…. Every aspect of you right now, the air that fills your lungs, the clothes that you wear, the food you ate today, all of that comes from outside of you. This ever-present, life-encompassing, compassionate Earth sustains you. You are part of this effortless cycle of give-and-take. You are participating in an exchange with the elements, with other living beings, with the Earth herself. With each inhale, breathe in the Earth’s compassion and with each exhale, breathe out gratitude.

Relax here in this indivisible connection with all that surrounds you; breathe in compassion, and breathe out gratitude. (Rohr, 2017)

We invoke the Holy Spirit to lead us through our focus on self to the contemplation and action that energises our awareness of humility as the attitude that generates gratitude.

References

Grassmeyer, K. (2024, March 9). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/030924.html 

Hosea, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hosea/6 

Luke, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/18?9 

Meditation on Luke 18:9-14. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/03/09/909489/ 

Psalms, PSALM 51 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/51?3 

Rohr, R. (2017, November 9). The Soul of Nature: Weekly Summary. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-soul-of-nature-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). God, Be Merciful to Me a Sinner! Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=mar9