The Holy Gospel according to Luke (6:39-42).
Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person?
Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.
Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first;
then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection: We have all heard of the expression, “The Blind leading the Blind.” This saying probably came from this Gospel passage. What does it mean? This phrase is used to describe a situation where a person ignorant of a given subject is getting advice and help from another person who is just as ignorant of the subject. This is the first part of Jesus’ parable. In the second part of the parable, Jesus gives us the image of a person trying to remove a speck from their brother’s eye while ignoring the plank in their own eye. In these two short parables, Jesus speaks to us about the importance of humility and self-awareness. Jesus reminds us of the human tendency to judge others while failing to acknowledge our own faults. I think it is fair to say that we have all “been there, done that.”
As Catholic Christian disciples we are called to look at ourselves “interiorly” first. Before we can correct others, we need to correct ourselves. This reminds me of the story of the woman caught in adultery, found in John 8:1-11. Many were quick to condemn the woman, except Jesus, who said, “Let the one without sin cast the first stone.” Nobody threw a stone at her because Jesus called them out for their own sins. We are all sinners and none of us are perfect. Only when we face our own weakness, AKA sinfulness, can we help others with love and gentleness. I am sure most of you have heard the song, “I can see clearly now the rain is gone, I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind, it’s gonna be a bright sunshiny day.”
This Gospel challenges us to live with integrity, ensuring that our actions and our lives, are lived as disciples of Christ and are in line with our faith and what we believe.
St. Augustine of Hippo wrote,” woe to the blind that lead, woe to the blind that follow”.
Today is also the optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary. In the Christian tradition, the name of Mary is highly revered, for by her free cooperation with the plan of God, she brought forth the Savior of the world. Thus, her name is a name of honor, a holy name, and a name responsive to the needs of the Church.
Action for the day: Pray for the grace to allow us to see more clearly, beginning with ourselves, so that we can truly be instruments of God’s grace, when dealing with those around us. May we pray for the intercession of Blessed Virgin Mary to help us to do this.
Audio Reflection:
Thank you, Deacon Mike. Always look forward to your reflections.