THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Friday of 23^rd week in ordinary time, 2021

1Tim 1:1-2, 14-14

Ps16

Luke 6:39-42

Take the log out of your eye

Our first reading (1Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14) is from one of Paul’s pastoral letters addressed not just to the Christian Communities, but to the leaders of those communities dealing with matters of Church life and practice. This introduction describes the radical change in a convert who is also the author. It is more of a short reflection or summary of his life before the Damascus event which he counted as acting in ignorance and unbelief before the grace of the Lord overflowed to him. He writes now as an Apostle a great example of what the mercy and grace of God achieves in even the hardened persecutor and blasphemer. No one while still alive, is beyond redemption.

The Gospel (Luke 6:39-42) is a continuation on the teaching of Jesus concerning love for enemies and judging others. In verses 37-38 Jesus tells us, “Do not judge others and you will not be judged; do not condemn and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you…. For the measure you use for others will be the measure God will use for you.” You will not be judging rightly unless you first mend your own sinful ways because you will also be judged by God, just as you have judged others. Human judgements are often laced with biases that prevents objective view of the others conditions. For that same reason, many are blinded by their lack of human feeling for the weak. Some even condemn others to hide their own faults. Jesus uses the example of the blind leading the blind here, but not so much of physical, but spiritual blindness. We are often blinded by our sins and our weaknesses and so are unable to fairly judge others. Someone who is spiritually blind trying to lead another will definitely end up in the pit. The man who is not spiritually awake sees only the fault in others but never his own. Jesus warns his disciples not to fall prey to such a way of life. A Christian must get rid of his own sinful ways and shun the way of evil. Only then can he possibly help others avoid the pitfalls on the path to eternal life. Sight in this instance is characterised by the enlightenment that comes from Christ. "First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye."

Let us pray: Lord, we thank you for the door of mercy you open for us daily. Help us to amend our sinful ways. Amen. 

+Remain blessed