9/11/2026 (Friday) Today’s Gospel reading: 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.”
9/11/2026 (Friday) Today’s Gospel reflection / sermon / homily: Luke 6:39-42
Jesus teaches that those who lead must first see clearly themselves. A blind person cannot guide another without both falling into danger. A disciple must grow under the teacher’s wisdom, and before correcting others, one must first remove the faults within their own life. The lesson emphasizes humility, responsibility, and the importance of self‑examination before judging or guiding others.
Let us use the word GUIDE to easily remember the message of the Gospel.
G – Guard Your Own Vision
Before we attempt to lead others, we must first examine the clarity of our own sight. It is easy to notice flaws in those around us, yet overlook the blind spots within ourselves. True guidance begins with self‑awareness. When we guard our vision, we acknowledge our weaknesses, confront our biases, and allow humility to shape our perspective. A guide who cannot see clearly risks leading others into harm. But when we cultivate inner clarity, we become trustworthy leaders who walk in light rather than stumble in darkness.
U – Understand Your Responsibility
Guidance is not casual influence; it is a sacred responsibility. To guide is to carry weight, because others place trust in your direction. This responsibility demands patience, wisdom, and compassion. It calls us to resist the temptation of judgmental attitudes and instead embrace the role of a servant‑leader. Understanding this responsibility means recognizing that our words and actions ripple outward, shaping lives beyond our own. A careless remark can wound, but a thoughtful word can heal. To guide responsibly is to choose the path of encouragement over condemnation.
I – Inspect Your Own Heart
Hypocrisy undermines true leadership. Inspecting our own heart is not an occasional task but a daily discipline. It requires honesty: admitting when pride has crept in, when resentment has taken root, or when self‑righteousness clouds our spirit. By inspecting our heart, we remove the “plank” that distorts our vision, enabling us to see others with compassion rather than criticism. This inner work is not glamorous, but it is transformative. A heart purified by humility becomes a wellspring of wisdom for those we guide.
D – Develop Empathy
Guidance without empathy becomes control, but guidance with empathy becomes companionship. To develop empathy is to walk alongside others, not above them. It is to feel their struggles, to honor their dignity, and to encourage their growth. Empathy softens our judgments and strengthens our bonds. It reminds us that we, too, are learners on the journey, and that guiding others is not about superiority but solidarity. When empathy shapes our leadership, we become mirrors of grace, reflecting patience and kindness in every interaction.
E – Empower Others
The ultimate goal of guidance is not to keep others dependent but to empower them to walk confidently on their own. Empowerment means equipping others with courage, wisdom, and hope. It is the difference between pointing out faults and nurturing potential. When we empower, we lift burdens rather than add to them. We inspire confidence rather than instill fear. Empowerment transforms guidance from mere correction into a gift of growth. A true guide rejoices when others rise, even surpassing them, because the mission is not self‑glory but shared flourishing.
The call of Jesus is clear: before guiding others, we must first be guided by humility, responsibility, self‑examination, empathy, and the desire to empower. He reminds us that leadership is not about pointing fingers but about opening eyes, not about condemning but about uplifting. When we embody these principles, we become trustworthy companions on the journey of life, helping others walk in clarity, freedom, and grace.
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