Friday of week 23 in Ordinary Time, or The Most Holy Name of Mary
, or Saint Ailbe, Bishop

First reading

1 Timothy 1:1-2,12-14

I used to be a blasphemer, but the mercy of God was shown me

From Paul, apostle of Christ Jesus appointed by the command of God our saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope, to Timothy, true child of mine in the faith; wishing you grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, and who judged me faithful enough to call me into his service even though I used to be a blasphemer and did all I could to injure and discredit the faith. Mercy, however, was shown me, because until I became a believer I had been acting in ignorance; and the grace of our Lord filled me with faith and with the love that is in Christ Jesus.

Psalm or canticle

Psalm 15(16):1-2,5,7-8,11

Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.
 I say to the Lord: ‘You are my God.’
O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;
 it is you yourself who are my prize.

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel,
 who even at night directs my heart.
I keep the Lord ever in my sight:
 since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.

You will show me the path of life,
 the fullness of joy in your presence,
 at your right hand happiness for ever.

Gospel

Luke 6:39-42

Can the blind lead the blind?

Jesus told a parable to the disciples: ‘Can one blind man guide another? Surely both will fall into a pit? The disciple is not superior to his teacher; the fully trained disciple will always be like his teacher. Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own? How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me take out the splinter that is in your eye,” when you cannot see the plank in your own? Hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take out the splinter that is in your brother’s eye.’