True Discipleship – Walking in the Light of Christ

Today’s Gospel presents us with profound wisdom about discipleship, self-examination, and the true measure of a virtuous life. Jesus warns against spiritual blindness, hypocrisy, and the dangers of judging others while failing to recognize our own faults. He reminds us that our actions and words flow from the depths of our hearts, just as a tree is known by its fruit. Let us reflect on three key lessons from today’s reading.

1. The Blind Leading the Blind: The Need for True Spiritual Vision

Jesus asks, "Can one blind man guide another? Surely both will fall into a pit?" (Luke 6:39). This is a sobering warning for those who take on the responsibility of leading others, whether as parents, teachers, priests, or mentors. The disciples of Jesus were to be the future teachers of the world, and so they needed to be enlightened by divine wisdom. How can one who lacks knowledge, virtue, and holiness guide others towards the truth?

A disciple is not greater than his teacher, but he must strive to be like his teacher. If we claim to be followers of Christ, we must follow His example of humility, mercy, and love.
St. Paul reminds us: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Cor 11:1). If Christ does not judge but instead shows mercy, why should we judge?
If we struggle with sin and yet try to correct others, we are like the blind leading the blind. First, we must allow Christ to heal our spiritual blindness before we can lead others.

2. The Splinter and the Plank: The Danger of Hypocrisy

Jesus then asks, "Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own?" (Luke 6:41). The image is striking. A small speck of dust compared to a massive wooden beam—this is how Jesus describes our tendency to judge others while ignoring our own serious faults.

The plank represents grievous sin, while the splinter symbolizes minor faults. How often do we magnify the shortcomings of others while excusing our own failures?
This is especially relevant for those in positions of authority. A preacher who condemns minor sins while neglecting his own is a hypocrite.
True self-knowledge is essential. As St. Augustine says, “Lord, let me know myself, and let me know Thee.” Before we try to correct others, we must first purify our own hearts.
Jesus does not say we should never correct others, but that correction must come from a place of humility and love, not self-righteousness.

3. A Tree and Its Fruit: The Heart as the Source of Good or Evil

Jesus uses a powerful image: "There is no sound tree that produces rotten fruit, nor again a rotten tree that produces sound fruit." (Luke 6:43). The fruit of a tree tells us what kind of tree it is, just as our actions reveal the state of our hearts.

Our external religious practices mean nothing if our hearts are not pure. As St. Teresa of Avila says, "What matters is not whether we wear a religious habit, but whether we live according to God’s will."
What fills our hearts will overflow into our words and deeds. If our hearts are filled with bitterness, pride, and anger, our actions will reflect that. If they are filled with love, humility, and mercy, we will bear good fruit.
True holiness is not just about words but about perseverance in good works. St. Ambrose reminds us, "The one who hears the Gospel but does not put it into practice denies Christ. The true witness is the one who fulfills His commandments."

Conclusion:

Living as True Disciples of Christ

Dear brothers and sisters, today’s Gospel challenges us to examine our hearts and our way of life.

Are we spiritually blind, trying to guide others without first seeking the light of Christ?
Do we judge others harshly while ignoring our own faults?
Are our hearts truly aligned with God’s will, bearing good fruit?

Let us seek self-knowledge, practice humility, and strive for inner purification so that we may truly follow Christ and lead others to Him. May our hearts be filled with His love so that our words and actions may reflect His truth.