Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today’s Gospel from St Luke, 6:39-45, invites us to reflect on the importance of vision—both physical and spiritual. Jesus, using the imagery of a blind man leading another blind man, warns us about the perils of lacking true insight. If we cannot see clearly ourselves, how can we guide others?
In this passage, Jesus reminds us that it’s not enough to focus solely on external behaviors. He metaphorically illustrates that a tree is known by its fruit. Our actions stem from the condition of our hearts. This truth should lead us to a vital introspection: what kind of fruit are we producing?
As Catholics, we are called to examine our own hearts and seek purity and integrity. When we nurture our relationship with God through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments, we cultivate a heart that reflects His love and truth. Consequently, our words and actions can positively influence those around us.
Furthermore, this message of discernment and self-awareness is especially relevant in today’s world. It’s easy to look outward, to criticise others, or to judge based on appearances. However, Christ calls us to a higher standard. He invites us to remove the plank from our own eye—a necessary prerequisite before addressing the speck in someone else’s eye.
Let us beseech the Lord to grant us the grace of discernment. May we strive to ensure that our own words and deeds align with His teachings. When we cultivate good within ourselves, we will bear good fruit that nourishes others.
As we go forth this week, let us keep in mind the call to be vigilant stewards of our hearts, ensuring they are filled with love, mercy, and humility. Only then can we be effective witnesses of Christ’s light in a world that so desperately needs it.
GOSPEL
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 6: 39-45
Jesus told a parable to his disciples,
‘Can one blind man guide another? Surely both will fall into a pit?
The disciple is not superior to his teacher; the fully trained disciple will always be like his teacher.
Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own?
How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me take out the splinter that is in your eye“, when you cannot see the plank in your own? Hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take out the splinter that is in your brother’s eye.
‘There is no sound tree that produces rotten fruit, nor again a rotten tree that produces sound fruit. For every tree can be told by its own fruit: people do not pick figs from thorns, nor gather grapes from brambles.
A good man draws what is good from the store of goodness in his heart;
a bad man draws what is bad from the store of badness.
For a man’s words flow out of what fills his heart.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.