Removing the Plank from Our Eyes

Removing the Plank from Our Eyes

Reflection on Luke 6:39-42

In today’s Gospel from Luke 6:39-42, Jesus challenges us with a very practical and humbling teaching: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?”

At first glance, this may sound harsh, but Jesus is pointing us toward self-examination and humility. Too often, we are quick to notice the faults, weaknesses, and shortcomings of others while failing to recognize our own. We can become blind guides—trying to correct others while not acknowledging that we ourselves are in need of correction.

This passage is not telling us to ignore the faults of others or to stop helping people grow, but it reminds us that true correction begins with self-awareness. Before we can offer guidance, we must first be guided by the Lord. Before we can heal others, we must allow Christ to heal us.

Think about how often we pass judgment—whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. How quickly we criticize others, yet how slow we are to look within and admit our own struggles. Jesus calls us to a spirit of humility. He is not saying we should never help others improve, but that our help must come from a place of compassion and self-awareness, not from pride or superiority.

The key is that discipleship requires honesty. We cannot pretend to be teachers of truth if we are unwilling to let the truth transform us first. The more we surrender our hearts to God, the more clearly we see—not only our own need for mercy but also the dignity and goodness in others. Only then can we truly “remove the splinter” from our brother or sister’s eye with gentleness and love.

Key Takeaway:
Before correcting others, let us first allow Christ to correct us. True guidance comes from humility, self-examination, and the mercy we ourselves have received from God.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, open our eyes to see our own faults and grant us the humility to acknowledge them. Heal us from our blindness so that we may be instruments of Your mercy and truth. Help us guide others not with pride, but with compassion and love. Amen.