Gospel of the day

From the Gospel according to Luke 6:39-42

Jesus told his disciples a parable:

“Can a blind person guide a blind person?
Will not both fall into a pit?
No disciple is superior to the teacher;
but when fully trained,
every disciple will be like his teacher.
Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye,
but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?
How can you say to your brother,
‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’
when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye?
You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first;
then you will see clearly
to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”

Sharing the Creator’s Gaze

Lord, how easy it is for us to judge our husband’s actions.

If he shouts at the children, if he argues with his mother, if he only thinks about work—if, if, if… we could spend so much time thinking about all the things we believe he should do better. It seems incredible that we attended the Project retreat, learnt that we must change our way of seeing, went through years of catechesis, and yet at the first opportunity we fall back again. And that is only when it comes to our husband; when it is about our in-laws, colleagues, friends or clients, our gaze is even harsher. And You have told us in words that could not be clearer: “First take the plank out of your own eye.” And how can we do that? With a visit to the Tabernacle, placing all our thoughts before You, with a thorough examination of conscience and a sincere confession: that way our vision is cleansed and we begin to see the beauty within all Your children.

Applied to married life

Michael: Hello Rachel, how was your day? (he comes close and kisses her)

Rachel: Oh Michael, fine here, as always. This morning was very busy with work, but today the children behaved quite well, they did their homework and ate their supper without a fuss. And you—how was your day?

Michael: It was a complicated one. Things were so much easier when I wasn’t the manager. But now that I have to keep an eye on my team, I realise they don’t put in nearly as much effort as they should. They’re always trying to do as little as possible. Today Robert was the last straw—he was supposed to hand in two reports and then told me his daughter had just been left by her boyfriend. What on earth has that got to do with work? Honestly, he’s so irresponsible.

Rachel: Oh, I’m really sorry. If you like, after supper we can make our couple’s prayer and you can place it before the Lord.

(Later)

Michael: Lord, I ask Your forgiveness for all the unfair judgements I make. Rachel, during prayer the Lord reminded me that Robert’s daughter struggles with an eating disorder. I can only imagine how much it must have worried him that, just as she was starting to improve, her boyfriend left her. I realise I haven’t been to confession for quite a while and my way of seeing has become clouded. I’ve lost awareness of my own sin.

Rachel: Go to the priest without hesitation and without fear. Tell him honestly how you feel, and he will help you to make a good confession. He is there in Christ’s name; I’m sure it will help you greatly.

Michael: I’ll do that tomorrow, and I hope you can come with me. I also want to thank you, because when I told you about my problem you listened with such kindness and didn’t judge me.

Rachel: Well, I actually went to confession this morning during breakfast hour. It’s such a blessing—ever since I started taking a piece of fruit to work and, instead of going to the café, I pop into the church nearby to spend a few minutes in prayer. It’s been wonderful for my body’s health and, even more importantly, much better for the health of my soul. Praised be God, who loves us so much and is always waiting for us!

Mother,

No one like you knows how to see the truth and the beauty within each of us. We ask you to teach us to look at our husband, children, friends… in the same way. Blessed are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus!