A reading from the gospel according to Luke 6:39-42
39 Jesus told his disciples a parable:
“Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?
40 No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.
41 Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?
42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye?
You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”
Reflection: Leadership and Discipleship
Good News: We can see clearly!
1. All of us are teachers in one way or another and whether or not we have finished a degree in education. Parents, guardians, elders and other people of influence often give instructions or guidance to children or younger people. Even to our friends and colleagues, we do influence them somehow. It is a good idea then to reflect on how well we influence or lead others. Do we make them better individuals or do we lead them to damnation?
2. Good relationship with other people means we must respect each other. Everyone has imperfection and everyone has something good to be appreciated. Let us focus on appreciation instead of criticism.
3. If we must criticize, let us do it with utmost sincerity. It is also a good thing to do it privately without humiliating the other person.
4. Let us live by example. We cannot tell others what to do when we cannot do it ourselves. We cannot give what we do not have. The best way to teach others is to show them, not tell them.
5. Jesus asks His disciples to become light to the world (Matthew 5:14). It means everyone of His disciples ought to light the path for others to become disciples too. To do that, they need to be fully trained in the ways of the Lord, that is, to be as humble and loving as their Master.
6. We pray that Jesus may grant us the eyes to see clearly the way and to understand the truth of His message.
*****
In this Gospel reading, Jesus presents a powerful message about self-awareness, humility, and the importance of not rushing to judge others. Through the illustration of the blind leading the blind and the analogy of a speck and a plank in one’s eye, Jesus invites us to examine ourselves before we criticize others.
The passage begins with Jesus asking, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39). This rhetorical question calls for deep reflection. Jesus is addressing the spiritual blindness that comes from pride and hypocrisy. If we are not seeing clearly — if our hearts and minds are clouded by sin or self-righteousness — how can we guide others in their spiritual walk? We often take it upon ourselves to correct others or provide advice, but if we are not connected to God, or if we haven’t examined our own weaknesses, our counsel could lead to harm instead of healing. Jesus emphasizes that a disciple is not above their teacher but fully trained will be like their teacher (Luke 6:40). He calls us to follow His example of humility and discernment.
Jesus then brings it closer to home with the vivid imagery of someone trying to remove a speck from their brother’s eye while having a plank in their own (Luke 6:41). The “speck” represents a small flaw in someone else, while the “plank” symbolizes a larger flaw in our own life. The message here is not that we should never help others with their faults, but that we must first be introspective. We need to look within, to identify and address our own shortcomings. If we fail to do so, we become hypocrites, as Jesus says in verse 42, “First take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Only after we have dealt with our own spiritual blindness can we help others effectively.
This passage urges us to develop humility and avoid quick judgments. It challenges the natural human tendency to see others’ faults more clearly than our own. The plank and speck analogy serves as a reminder that we often magnify the mistakes of others while minimizing our own failures. If we focus on our own spiritual growth, we will find it easier to approach others with grace, understanding, and love.
As we reflect on these verses, we are reminded that God calls us to a life of accountability, not just towards others, but towards ourselves first. It is easy to point fingers, to blame, and to criticize. However, Jesus asks us to look inward, to deal with our own sins, weaknesses, and pride. When we do this, we grow in wisdom, and we can genuinely help others in their walk with God.
Let us be people who first seek transformation in our own hearts. Only when we are grounded in humility and self-awareness can we serve as true guides to those around us. As we strive to be more like Christ, we will learn to lead others, not from a place of judgment or superiority, but from love and a shared journey toward spiritual maturity.
*****
There is a story about a teacher who walked into a classroom holding a blindfold. She asked for two volunteers. The first was blindfolded, while the second was tasked to follow the first around the room. Within seconds, both stumbled and almost crashed into a desk. The teacher then removed the blindfold and explained: “This is what happens when those who do not see clearly try to guide others.” The room fell silent, and the students quickly understood the lesson: to lead others, one must first be able to see.
This simple image captures the heart of Jesus’ teaching about spiritual sight. In our daily lives, it is tempting to give advice, to point out faults, and to correct others without first examining ourselves. It’s far easier to notice a friend’s impatience, a co-worker’s laziness, or a neighbor’s arrogance than it is to admit our own. Social media amplifies this tendency. We see people quick to comment on what others should do, yet unwilling to apply the same standard to their own choices. But true wisdom and leadership do not begin with criticism of others. They begin with self-reflection and humility.
Think of a parent who lectures their child about honesty, yet tells lies to avoid embarrassment. Or a manager who scolds employees for being late, while regularly arriving after everyone else. These inconsistencies weaken credibility and cause frustration. On the other hand, when leaders live what they teach, their example speaks louder than any words. A parent who admits mistakes, apologizes, and shows integrity teaches honesty far more powerfully than a lecture ever could. A manager who models punctuality and diligence inspires the team without needing constant reminders.
The call is clear: before we judge others, we must first deal with what is in our own hearts. This is not about ignoring wrong in the world or pretending that everything is acceptable. Rather, it is about making sure that our perspective is not clouded by pride, anger, or hypocrisy. When we take time to examine ourselves, we begin to lead with compassion instead of condemnation. We correct others not from a place of superiority, but from shared humanity.
Imagine if more of us lived this way. Instead of criticizing a struggling co-worker, we might remember our own battles with deadlines and offer encouragement. Instead of snapping at a family member for their flaws, we might acknowledge how our own imperfections also cause strain. Instead of ridiculing leaders or neighbors for their mistakes, we might humbly contribute solutions. This shift does not excuse wrongdoing but it creates an atmosphere where growth is possible because love, not judgment, becomes the driving force.
The truth is, none of us see clearly all the time. We all have blind spots—areas where we need patience, guidance, and grace. By admitting this, we become more open to correction, more willing to learn, and more compassionate toward others. And when our vision is corrected by humility, we are better equipped to help those around us.
In the end, the message is simple yet profound: we cannot lead others well if we do not first examine ourselves. Our influence, whether as parents, friends, colleagues, or mentors, depends on the integrity of our lives. People are not drawn to perfect leaders; they are drawn to authentic ones. If we want to help others see, we must first allow our own eyes to be opened. And when we live with clear vision, we become a source of guidance, encouragement, and light in a world where many still stumble in the dark.
