Thoughts for the Day

* 'The blind leading the blind' by Pieter Bruegel, the Elder

Jesus also told them a parable: ‘Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye”, when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.'

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

I like to look at the occasional real-life emergency department programmes on television when nothing else appeals, and have been amused by the number of young adults both male and female who go into the Accident and Emergency Department of the local hospital with very minor ailments. Now while I appreciate that we all have different thresholds of pain, a scratch on a hand, or a twisted ankle which isn't swollen, are not major problems, and a plaster or bandage can usually help. What amuses me is their agonised expressions of pain for something so minor.

Looking today at the words from Jesus it made me realise how I, and many others, treat everything that happens to us (eg a cut hand or twisted ankle) as of major importance to us, and frequently share it with everyone, but barely listen to others when they recite similar experiences to us.

Similarly, the opposite occurs with faults - what we notice in others are deemed to be huge faults, but only minor blemishes in our life? We gaily criticise others for being over-weight or drinking too much, but don't notice how annoying it is that we interrupt conversations, or are always late for meetings. The old adage "People in glass-houses shouldn't throw stones" applies, or as Jesus says "How do you not see the log in your own eye." (Note to self: "Try to do better, Sharon!")

Lord Jesus Christ,
help us to learn not to criticise others,
or to see their faults as major blemishes,
but to turn that critical faculty upon ourselves,
and see us as others see us.
Then may we turn to You for forgiveness,
and for help to make changes to our life.
Amen.