When Paul addresses the Corinthians’ tendency to judge, be prideful, and feel they are above the Scripture, it serves as a powerful reminder for us Christians today. We must be cautious not to judge those who are unchurched or just beginning their faith journey.

The danger lies in feeling spiritually “safe.” When we grow comfortable in our faith, we may unknowingly become selfrighteous, looking down on those who struggle. Worse, being deeply immersed in church life can sometimes make us lose touch with the reality beyond our walls—the challenges faced by those still searching for God.

Let us guard against this complacency. Instead of remaining in our comfort zones, we are called to step out, reach the margins, and extend Christ’s love to those who need Him most.

True faith isn’t about feeling secure—it’s about living with compassion, humility, and a heart willing to serve. 

Erika Mendoza Ventura (erika.m@svrtv.com) 

reflect

Feeling inferior or superior to others does not give glory to God.

Lord, sorry for the times I judged others and compared myself to them. Amen.

St. Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us.

Paul acknowledges that the life of an Apostle is neither easy nor filled with honor. Many reject the Gospel upon hearing it, but that burden rests between them and God. Our responsibility is to live and proclaim the Gospel faithfully—never to force its acceptance. Paul, tireless in his mission, will never be found lacking in his commitment to share the truth. May we pray for the grace to follow his example.

⁶ Brothers and sisters: Learn from myself and Apollos not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over against another. ⁷ Who confers distinction upon you? What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it? ⁸ You are already satisfied; you have already grown rich; you have become kings without us! Indeed, I wish that you had become kings, so that we also might become kings with you. ⁹ For as I see it, God has exhibited us Apostles as the last of all, like people sentenced to death, since we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and men alike. ¹⁰ We are fools on Christ’s account, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are held in honor, but we in disrepute. ¹¹ To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clad and roughly treated, we wander about homeless ¹² and we toil, working with our own hands. When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; ¹³ when slandered, we respond gently. We have become like the world’s rubbish, the scum of all, to this very moment. ¹⁴ I am writing you this not to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. ¹⁵ Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 145:17-18, 19-20, 21

R: The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

¹⁷ The Lord is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. ¹⁸ The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. (R) ¹⁹ He fulfills the desire of those who fear him, he hears their cry and saves them. ²⁰ The Lord keeps all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. (R) ²¹ May my mouth speak the praise of the Lord, and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. (R)

Gospel | Luke 6:1-5

We need to use our common sense and discernment to realize that some laws are more important than others. This is not to say that we should dismiss a law as being insignificant or worthless, though some actually are. But when we prioritize our time and resources, let us pursue those things that will make a bigger difference and are of greater importance.

Gospel Acclamation

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.

¹ While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. ² Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” ³ Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? ⁴ How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions.” ⁵ Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”

Read the Bible in one year! Read PSALMS 56 - 60 today.

Once, I spoke to a church volunteer who described her life as a continuous balancing act of work, family, church, and countless other responsibilities. She said she felt exhausted and disconnected at times that she finds herself too busy to focus on what truly matters to her, which is her relationship with God, others, and even herself. Many of us can relate to her experience. Her struggle reminds us that while serving others is important, it is equally essential to take time to renew ourselves—spiritually and emotionally—so we can serve others wholeheartedly.

In the Gospel passage, the starving disciples’ picking up kernels of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them on the Sabbath greatly displeased the Pharisees. For them, the Sabbath meant a time when no work was allowed. In their interpretation of the Law, the Pharisees created all sorts of rules and restrictions to “keep the Sabbath holy.” Hence, they questioned Jesus about this. Responding to them, Jesus points out the incident concerning King David, who, when he and his troops were starving, entered the temple and ate the bread that was meant only for the priests. He says that the Sabbath was never meant to be a strict rule we follow just for the sake of it; rather, it was observed for our sake—to give us rest and draw us closer to God. 

What then is the purpose of the Sabbath? After everything was done, God took the time to step back and take satisfaction in what was accomplished. In effect, He set a pattern for us to follow in our lives. In His wisdom, He knows that we need the Sabbath to create rest and balance, a time for worshiping God and preparing for the challenges ahead. 

Fr. Ricky Montañez, AA

reflection question

How can you create space for rest and renewal in your life so you can reconnect with God, others, and yourself better?

Lord, help me to find rest in You so I may serve with a renewed heart. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _________________________________