1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22-27 Psalm 83(84):3-6,12Luke 6:39-42
May Christ heal us
Jesus employs the parables of the blind leading the blind and of the speck and the log in one’s eye to caution his disciples against spiritually blind leaders who may cause others to stumble into danger. More specifically, he emphatically instructs them to refrain from judging others when their own sins may be significantly greater. In both cases, removing one’s own “log” is arduous, demanding brutal honesty and self-awareness. It necessitates profound vulnerability.
After confronting the pain of their own woundedness and brokenness, and experiencing the healing grace of God, an individual’s approach to another person’s “speck” or wound transforms entirely. They no longer judge or view others with self-righteousness. Instead, grounded in their own woundedness and adopting a mentorship perspective, they offer help with a gentle, empathetic hand. The traditional sign on the cross, on which Jesus was crucified, bears the inscription, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
It could just as accurately read, “The Wounded Healer.” Likewise, the core message of today’s Gospel may be less about punitive moralism and more about the mutual healing exemplified by Christ, which we are called to enact— as wounded healers ourselves.