Monday June 23, 2008

First Reading: 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 60
Gospel: Matthew 7:1-5

I have always enjoyed today's gospel. In it Jesus says "Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?" I always seem to get amusing mental images after reading it. I would always hope that if I have a wooden beam in my eye that someone would tell me. While this example may seem a little absurd, it is certainly a common practice in our lives. When it comes to judging others, it is far easier to notice any sort of fault or blemish that they may have. It is amazing to me that at times we may be doing everything in our lives wrong and not notice it or try to fix it, but we will make every effort to tell someone else how they are wrong or are not doing something correct.

Jesus gives us pretty clear instructions on how to deal with this, he simply says "remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye." As always a simple answer, not always an easy task. Before we can really look at someone else and try and help them, we must first look inside and make our selves vulnerable to Christ and ask him to help us change and heal. He is not saying that you must be perfect in order to help your brother or sister, but you must be able to see clearly.

Humbling moments and sacrifice can help us to see more clearly. Do you see moments of humility and moments that you are wrong as a curse or a blessing? How can you begin to take a more in depth look inside today to begin to get the "wooden beam" out of your eye?

Lord Jesus, we thank you now and always for the blessings in our lives. Give us wisdom and the strength to let go of our pride in order to see more clearly. May we go about our day working and serving for your glory. Lord we pray this day for all those who are hurting and go without knowing you. We ask this all in your name, Amen.