The Gospel Passage: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? …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 Power of Looking into a Mirror
A mirror by design provides a true reflection of one’s image. Make-up can be adjusted; beards can be trimmed and even dirt can be removed with its assistance. The function of a mirror is to allow us to correct imperfections in our appearance before we set out to be seen by others. None of us would criticize another’s obvious unkept appearance or clothing unless we were properly attired.
In this passage Our Lord is calling us to place our soul in front of a mirror before going out to meet and disciple others.
Adjusting One’s Appearance
Ultimately, the lesson today is about hypocrisy -How we act matters in the kingdom of God. Nothing seems to destroy conversions to the faith more than the hypocrisy of Christians in the marketplace of ideas -where conduct does not match professed values. In fact, nothing makes the atheist more secure in his world view than believers who act inconsistent with their faith. Yet, we know we remain sinners even while we seek to bring others to faith. So, what can we do?
The Effect of the Journey Away from the Hypocritical Prior Sin
While a blind person cannot guide another blind person, a cancer survivor can guide a person who just found out they have cancer. We know that a former drug user who has been clean for many years can both empathize with a current user’s struggle and offer a path for an addict to also become clean. This consideration is important because we all have a past.
If the person who has a splinter in his eye sees that I have removed my own plank – I can and therefore will be able to minister to another by assisting and encouraging his own splinter removal.
The Necessary Tools for a Disciple’s Mission
Look again in the mirror and accurately reflect on your soul’s state. Have the humility to recognize and treat its imperfections. As a practical and continuing antidote, access the grace of Confessing sins frequently. Wisdom recognizes the need for grace.
As for me, I am embarrassed and humbled by having to audibly confess my sins to a priest. Avoiding a future embarrassment motivates me to avoid repeating the sin. It appears Our Lord knew my human nature when He commanded that the Church be the instrument to forgive or withhold sins. (Cf John 20:21-23). He knew the power of me hearing the words: “your sins ARE forgiven, go in peace.”
Embrace the reality that the correction of another must follow Christ’s commandment of love. Where disparity of values exists, educate lovingly. Help others have the courage to reform. As Saint Francis suggested being an instrument of peace.
Humility and Love are necessary in becoming true disciples.
