He also told them a parable: ‘Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye”, when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.
- Luke 6:39-42
He also told them a parable: ‘Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye”, when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.
-Luke 6:39-42
I love how Jesus uses small, everyday events to teach us important lessons about the broader issues that impact our relationships with others and with God. We all have the potential to allow seemingly small and unimportant things to absorb our attention almost to the point of obsession. Not a major problem when those concerns relate to our own life, the hedge needs trimming or a wall that's looking shabby and needs painting. However, it's altogether too easy to allow ourselves to begin looking at others as "projects" that need fixing. Specifically, these people need us to fix them. In today's Gospel, Jesus calls us to stop focusing on the external and look instead to what's going on within our own lives. Perhaps we all need to begin looking at ourselves and others with the same love and compassion that Jesus does. Remember that we are each a work in progress.
Musical Reflection His Eye is On the Sparrow - Weber and Wilson
Lord, give me eyes of compassion for myself and for others. Give me a heart of hope and a mind focused on your enduring love. Amen.
