The Paradox of Freedom: Running the Race of Love

1Cor 9:16-19.22b-27, Psalm: 83, Lk 6:39-42

My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

The Word of God today presents us with a paradox that lies at the very heart of the Gospel. Saint Paul declares, “If I preach the Gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it!” Paul is driven by a love that compels him. He makes himself “a slave to all” to win as many as possible. He becomes all things to all people, not for his own advantage, but for the sake of the Gospel. In the Gospel, Jesus warns against hypocrisy, saying, “Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”

Paul’s message is one of total dedication. He preaches not for his own glory, but because he is compelled by the love of Christ. He does not use his freedom for his own benefit; he becomes a servant to all. His freedom is expressed in his self-giving. He runs the race with purpose, disciplines his body, and keeps his eyes on the prize: the imperishable crown of eternal life. He is a model of the Christian life, which is a life of focused, disciplined, and self-giving love.

In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the danger of hypocrisy. He asks, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will they not both fall into a pit?” He warns against judging others while ignoring our own faults. This is not a prohibition against all judgment; it is a call to self-examination. We must remove the plank from our own eye before we can help our brother with the splinter in his. We must be humble, honest, and quick to repent of our own sins.

Pope Francis has said, “The Church is not a customs house; it is the house of the Father, where there is room for everyone with all their problems.” Saint John Chrysostom, reflecting on Paul’s words, wrote, “Paul did not preach for his own glory, but for the salvation of souls.” Saint Augustine, contemplating the Gospel, said, “Do not love your own faults, but love the brother who is struggling.”

What does this mean for us? We are called to preach the Gospel by our lives, not for our own glory, but for the salvation of others. We are called to examine our own hearts before we judge others. We are called to run the race with purpose, knowing that the prize is not temporary, but eternal.

This week, let us examine our hearts. Where are we judging others without examining ourselves? Where are we seeking our own glory rather than the salvation of others? Let us ask for the grace to be like Paul—compelled by love, disciplined in our pursuit, and humble in our service. For the crown that awaits us is not a perishable wreath, but the eternal glory of Christ. Amen.

May God bless you all!