And then you will see clearly
Within the last month, I have become aware of the many communities to which I belong. I find myself switching from our family to ancestral family to in-laws, church communities, prayer group, neighbourhood, online and the list goes on. And while with each community, I have to be aware of the various personalities, the issues and challenges.
I try to be a member of each community, not overly drawing attention to myself, just a member, while taking any opportunity to add a spiritual outlook to the group’s conversation. Often it is a balancing act. Sometimes, I loose perspective and get embroiled in heated discussions and then regret it on my way home.
So I was particularly drawn to Jesus’ parable in this week’s Gospel Luke 6: 39-45 ‘Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? …Why do you the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is 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 that is in your brother’s eye.’
This is a particularly sobering statement. It reminds me that before I seek to guide or correct others, I must first examine my own heart, my own biases, and my own failings. It is easy to get caught up in the dynamics of a community—pointing out what needs to change, where others may be wrong, or how things could be better. But Jesus calls me to a deeper self-awareness, to first remove the ‘log’ in my own eye before presuming to help others.
This challenges me to approach my interactions with greater humility and discernment. Rather than reacting emotionally or asserting my views, I am invited to listen, to understand, and to bring Christ’s presence into these communities—not through argument, but through love, patience, and example.
Ultimately, being part of multiple communities is a blessing, but it also requires constant reflection. Am I building up or tearing down? Am I leading with wisdom or with pride? Am I truly seeing others, or am I blinded by my own assumptions? Jesus' words remind me that the work of transformation always begins within me.
There is a little Divine Mercy prayer card next to me on my desk. At the bottom of the picture are the words ‘Jesus I trust in You’. It is a reminder that often during the day, especially when in a community gathering, I must pause and say a mental prayer asking Jesus to guide my mannerisms and speech.
Friend, I have decided to postpone the start of the online retreat to Thursday 13th March at 8pm (-4GMT). I apologize for the inconvenience. It is necessary to give me more time to prepare and promote the event. Thanks for your understanding. The Zoom link and meeting details are below:
Time: Mar 13, 2025 08:00 PM La Paz
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89233869805?pwd=9zmeDqWEuNQJxv1RiEUXIzkyqiEGEK.1
Meeting ID: 892 3386 9805
Passcode: 250660