Life Between Beam and Splinter in the Eyes

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Eighth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:39-42*

*First Reading : Sir 27:4-7*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16*

*Second Reading 1 Cor 15:54-58*

*Life Between Beam and Splinter in the Eyes*

*1) Beam and the Splinter*

A beam (log) is large, heavy, and obstructive—something that severely limits vision.

A splinter (speck) is small—a minor irritation, but still noticeable.

Jesus deliberately uses this contrast to exaggerate the hypocrisy of judging others harshly while being blind to one’s own greater faults.

*2) Major vs. Minor Faults*

The beam represents major sins, hypocrisy, or blind spots—things that completely distort a person’s spiritual vision.

The splinter represents small faults or imperfections of life.

 They are not as serious as the previous ones. But one should be careful about the minor faults as well 

Jesus warns that people often focus on the minor weaknesses of others while ignoring their own greater need for repentance.

*3) Self-Examination vs. Judgment*

The beam prevents clear spiritual vision, meaning a person with unrepented sin or hypocrisy is in no position to correct others.

The splinter can still cause discomfort and should be removed.

*4) Various Examples, Which represents as Beam*

*Pride and Self-Righteousness* : When someone believes they are morally superior, they judge others harshly while ignoring their own failings.

*Hypocrisy*: When a person condemns others for the very sins they commit.

*Unforgiveness and Resentment* Holding grudges while expecting others to be understanding and forgiving.

*Judgmental Attitude* : Seeing others' weaknesses as greater than one’s own, even when both struggle with sin.

Hidden Sins or Blind Spots

Sins that a person is unaware of or refuses to confront in themselves.

Example: Someone who preaches about purity but secretly engages in impure thoughts or actions.

*5) Biblical Example: The Pharisees*

Jesus often confronted the Pharisees, who criticized others while ignoring their own hypocrisy (Matthew 23:23-28). 

They focused on minor religious rules but neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness—a classic case of having a *beam* in their eyes.

*6) Removing the Beam*

Removing the beam from our own eye requires self-examination, repentance, and transformation through God's grace. 

Psalm 139:23-24 is a good prayer in this regard:

*Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.*

Compare Yourself to Christ, Not to Others

Repent and Seek Forgiveness

Humble Yourself Before God and Others. Pride often keeps the beam in place.

Apply God’s Word in Daily Life

Rely on the Holy Spirit for Transformation

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*