11-Sep-15

Gospel LK 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.”
Reflection:
“Can a blind person guide a blind person?
Will not both fall into a pit?"
As Christians, our primary purpose should be to "guide" or lead others to know the love of Jesus Christ. We do this not for our own sake, but for the sake of our brothers and sisters who we are called to love; that they too may be set free from the cares of this world and live freely in the knowledge of God's love.
But, it is impossible for a person to give what they don't possess.
"No disciple is superior to the teacher;
but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher."
When through study, prayer and action, we establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our lives and our behavior begin to change. For no person can truly come to know Jesus without being transformed into a new creation.
"Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”
Herein lies the sign of our transformation: Prior to knowing Jesus, it was easy to see the faults of others. But the closer we become to Jesus Christ, the more clearly we see our own faults.
It is only when we see our own sinfulness and Christ's love and forgiveness of us that God can use us to lead others to Him.

"Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength." Billy Graham