Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
One of the “occupational hazards” of my work and ministry is the risk of being a hypocrite. I also think it’s one of the blessings in disguise. As a counselor and spiritual director I have to be so aware, so careful of, in the words of today’s gospel parable, “noticing the splinter in my brother’s (or sister’s) eye,” while not perceiving the “wooden beam” in my own eye. The challenging thing is that without reflection we’re usually not aware of the wooden beam in our own eye. I once had a client who lived in a poverty-stricken area rife with crime and addiction ask me if I knew what it was like to walk from her front door, that probably wouldn’t even close properly, down to the street where her car was parked, that may or may not start when she needed it to. I was starkly reminded of the caution not to judge someone unless you’ve walked at least a mile in their shoes.
I imagine if we’re honest, we’ve all been guilty at some point in our lives of hypocritical thinking and/or acting. But what about those of us who are in a role of leader, guide, instructor, minister or caregiver? I hear Jesus in today’s gospel passage especially addressing this risk of hypocrisy. As Jesus is teaching his disciples, I believe he is also instructing us. We have a responsibility to first become aware of and remove the wooden beam in our own eye before even trying to remove the splinter in the other person’s eye.
It makes sense. How can we see clearly with our own faults, shortcomings, imperfections, and judgments obstructing our view? When we address our own failings and sinfulness with honesty and humility, only then are we able to see with the eyes of compassion and mercy.
Let us pray for the guidance, grace and humility to recognize and remove the wooden beam in our own eye before trying to remove the splinter in everyone else’s. We will see more clearly with eyes of love and mercy those who have been entrusted to our care.
~Eileen Miller