13 September 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

Topic: ARE YOUR EYES CLEAR ENOUGH TO SEE GOODNESS?

First Reading: First Corinthians 9: 16-19, 22b-27
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 84: 3, 4, 5-6, 12
Alleluia: John 17: 17b, 17a
Gospel: Luke 6: 39-42

It is remarkable how Jesus uses imagery that is striking and even amusing at that. A camel trying to pass through the eye of the needle is one such image. An interesting example of that kind of image is found in today's Gospel reading ⏤ that of a plank in the eye. For sure, we ban easily notice a piece of dust or even a splinter in someone's eye. But to see a plank could be so bizarre. Jesus' humorous image is used here to make us reflect. He wants to draw our attention to the usual human tendency to find faults while being blind to our own. The huge difference between a splinter and a plank in this image indicates that the fault we complain of in others can be small compared to the fault in ourselves that we fail to see and are blind to.

Jesus is reminding us that most of the time, we do not see clearly, especially when it comes to others. Our view of others can be blurred or disfigured, especially our view of those we encounter daily. We can easily focus on their faults than on the positive things they are doing. Thus, it is important to possess a healthy awareness of our faults and limitations. It keeps us grounded and leads us to look at others in a more understanding and a more charitable way.

This is the 1601st installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: Let us listen to our brother Jess Ferrer as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live