Finding Fault
We are so good at seeing the flaws in others.
He also told them a parable: 'Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, "Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye", when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye. - Luke 6:39-42
Today's Gospel reminds us that we have flaws too, and ours may be greater than the ones we see in others.
Jesus doesn't tell us to ignore the flaws we see in others, but to make sure ours are dealt with first. Perhaps he knows we can't avoid finding fault, in fact, we are pretty good at it.
Deep down, we may have a desire or even a calling to help others fix what we see as wrong, so he doesn't tell us not to do that. What he does say is we should be introspective, checking our own flaws to correct them before we judge others.
It reminds me of the story of the woman brought before him to be judged. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Each of those men had his own flaws to deal with first.
So, today's message is a simple one. If we are going to go out into the world looking to fix the things we see are broken, we should make sure we start by fixing our own things first.
None of us is perfect. We all have flaws and faults.
The challenge is to be able to see them.
More to come...