DAILY GOSPEL COMMENTARY: THE SPLINTER IN YOUR BROTHER’S EYE (Lk 6:39–42).
Credit: Metropolitan Museum
Can a blind person guide a blind person?
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.”
Gospel Commentary
Today’s Gospel reminds us of the necessity to know ourselves in truth and with sincerity in order to be understanding with others, and also to avoid being judgmental. But for this, we need to overcome our pride which leads to blindness and hypocrisy.
- Pride leads to blindness which has the following manifestations:
- not acknowledging our defects, our errors;
- fault-finding, oftentimes in a cruel manner;
- putting the blame on others instead of recognizing our mistakes;
- and worse, justifying our conduct in order to pacify our remorseful conscience.
- If we know how to humble ourselves, we will avoid being judgmental but rather be understanding and forebearing towards others when we see their defects, for humility is the light which enables us to sincerely see ourselves as who we really are, with all our errors, sins, and our evil inclinations.
- St. Augustine wrote: “Try to acquire the virtues you believe lacking in your brothers. Then you will no longer see their defects, for you will no longer have them yourself.” (Commentary to Psalm 30).
- Once we realize that we have critical thoughts against others, may we convert them into occasions of prayer, for ourselves, and for the persons we have in mind. In this way, we are able to draw good from these temptations.
- Only God truly knows what goes on in our hearts. Only He is the one who understands, justifies and pardons. May we never judge others for only God is the Judge of each and every person. May we learn how to view others with the merciful, compassionate and forgiving eyes of God.
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. A manifestation of humility is to avoid negative judgment of others. If we know ourselves, we will avoid judging others. Saint Augustine has a brilliant phrase:
“Strive to acquire the virtues which you believe your brothers lack, and you will no longer see their faults, because you will not have them yourselves” (Commentary on Psalm 30).
God, who knows the true roots of human action, is the one who truly understands, justifies, and forgives. Saint Bernard says:
“Even if you see something bad, do not immediately judge your neighbor, but rather excuse him within yourself. Excuse the intention if you cannot excuse the action. Think that he may have done it out of ignorance, or surprise, or misfortune. If the matter is so clear that you cannot disguise it, even then believe it so and say to yourself: the temptation must have been very strong” (Sermon 40 on the Song of Songs).
A Blessed day ahead! Fr. Rolly Arjonillo
VIDEO COMMENTARY
TOPIC: ARE YOU AN IN-S.P.E.C.K.-TOR, FLAWLESS IN FINDING FAULT WITH OTHERS?
We all have something to say, especially when it concerns others. However, instead of indulging in positive and upbuilding language, we tend to find fault in people, gossiping about them, perhaps fabricating stories and exaggerating such, while ignoring the same faults in us.
TOPIC: DO YOU ALWAYS JUDGE PEOPLE AND NEVER GIVE THEM SECOND CHANCES?
1st Reading 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14
Responsorial Psalm Psalms 16:1B-2A AND 5, 7-8, 11
Alleluia John 17:17B, 17A
Gospel Luke 6:39-42
In today’s first reading, Paul acknowledges his past sins. “I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man but I have been mercifully treated” (1 Timothy 1:13). Because of his ignorance, he now had to pay for all his sins. But he was treated kindly, mercifully and compassionately by Jesus. He regretted, repented. He became more humble. He knew he had to make up for his past sins. Why? Because he was given a second chance. Through God’s grace, he became a great saint.
We ask ourselves the question, do we give others a second chance, even a third and a fourth, to make up for their past sins? Are we so immaculate that others do not just pale in comparison but fail our standards and are hopeless?
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