Readings: 1 Timothy 1:1-2,12-14, Psalm 16 Luke 6:39-42
“Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they, not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39)
Jesus asks a fundamental question today: “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye?” (Luke 6:42). This question applies very much to us today.
Our major problem is that we barely take time to examine ourselves. We assume we are perfect just because we are literally blind to our personal weaknesses. The story is told of a couple who always laughed at their neighbours for refusing to clean their house until one day, someone accidentally broke their windows. It was then they realised that their neighbour’s house was spotless, but their windows were dirty.
It is funny how we expect from others the very things we do not have. It is weird how we crucify others and ridicule them publicly for crimes that we do in secret. It is amusing how we often point accusing fingers at others for sins that we are most guilty of. Very frequently, we can see clearly the speck in our neighbour’s eye because it resembles the log in ours, that is, we project our conscience outwards.
One of the secrets of Paul’s success as a great missionary and evangelist was his ability to thoroughly examine his own conscience and admit his faults. In today’s first reading, St. Paul writes: “I thank him who has given me strength for this, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service, though I formerly blasphemed, persecuted and insulted him” (1 Timothy 1:12-13).
No one is as perfect as they like to assume. Examine your conscience today.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant us the grace of humility to examine our hearts always. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of week 23 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 1 Timothy 1:1-2,12-14, Psalm 16 Luke 6:39-42)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu