The plank in one's own eye
M Mons. Vincenzo Paglia
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Gospel (Lk 6,39-42) - At that time, Jesus told his disciples a parable: «Can a blind man lead another blind man? Won't they both fall into a ditch? A disciple is no more than the master; but everyone who is well prepared will be like his teacher. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye and do not notice the plank that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,” while you yourself do not see the plank that is in your eye? Hypocritical! First take the plank out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

The commentary on the Gospel by Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia

Jesus continues his teaching by expounding a series of maxims of human and spiritual wisdom that he delivers to his disciples. He expresses them in the language of "proverbs" so that they are understood by everyone and can concretely inspire our behaviors. The image of the blind man who cannot lead another blind man reminds everyone, and particularly those who have some kind of leadership responsibility, to know how to keep their eyes open to the Gospel, to be attentive to their own interior life, to see what is good in it. and beauty around you, otherwise you are blind without the possibility of helping anyone. Jesus then reminds us that no disciple should think he is superior to his master. He is saying that every disciple, even when he has made progress in wisdom, must not fall into the temptation of no longer needing to listen to the Gospel. If anything, the disciple must become evangelical himself, that is, with the same feelings that Jesus had: then "he will be like his master". It's not easy to consider others above us. This is why the Gospel insists. And he invites us to take on a new attitude towards others, that of love and not judgement. Love opens the eyes of the heart to allow us to see, to be moved and to meet others with mercy and humility.