Change Yourself Before Trying to Change Others

Today’s readings remind us to avoid judging others and to look inwardly examining ourselves before we speak and to avoid gossiping, judging, condemning, or harming the reputation of others by our careless and unbridled utterances, because what we say and what we do testify to who we are. This is the central theme of today’s liturgy.
While the first reading invites us to be careful and cautious about the words that came out of our mouth, the Gospel also emphasis this same theme, that is, just like every tree reproduces after its nature or kind, a person’s words flow from what fills his or her heart. A man words expose his heart, the kind of man he is. The reading also urges us to examine ourselves first and, in speaking about others, to exercise the same magnanimity and compassion we expect for ourselves.
We are told today that just as a tree is known by its fruit so a man is known by his word and his words. For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Also, a person’s speech is a reflection of the kind of person he is. A man’s words expose his true nature, what he is really like beneath the surface. A man’s words expose what he is down deep within his heart: his motives, desires, ambitions, or the lack of initiative. A man’s words expose his true character, good or bad, kind or cruel. A man’s words expose his mind, what he thinks, pure or impure thoughts, dirty or clean thoughts.
A Christian, for instance, can be likened to a good tree that should produce good fruit. It follows that if one is a Christian, his speech should also show it. The speech of a Christian should be such as will give glory to God and edify one’s neighbor. Thus, someone who is really a Christian will be truthful, honest and modest in his speech. He will not be given to telling lies or saying one thing while he means another.
Jesus is also telling us today that the blind cannot lead the blind. This is to tell us of the awesome responsibility upon leaders: the preachers, teachers, parents, bosses, and anyone who has influence or responsibility for anyone else. Therefore, leadership is a responsibility of every Christian, because we are called to lead by example. Christ is telling us today that we should not be blind guides. We must see well if we do not want to risk harming the persons entrusted to our care.
Jesus warns against being blind because blindness leads to two tragic results. Both the leader and the follower walk in darkness. If a person is blind by hypocrisy, for instance, that person will not be able to correct and to arouse spiritual fidelity in the people who should be formed and encouraged. Thus, Christ attracts today the attention of every one who is entrusted with the care of others. They are all guides. The guides have the task of molding and forming the young and growing minds entrusted to them. A guide must be like a burning lamp diffusing light, dispelling the darkness of ignorance and vice. One can be a guide more by one’s example than by one’s words.
Parents, for instance, must be especially careful of their duties as guides by becoming role models for their children by leading exemplary lives. As parents, they should know their children well, they should know about their problems, they should protect and defend their children against modern predators and moral poison of this age, they should be interested in what they read, the type of the film they watch, the company they keep, and what they wear. Some are naked in the streets in the name of the latest fashion, and the parents won’t see anything wrong in that. Some decorate their rooms with pornography, and some are addicted to drug. In fact, as guides, the parents have a lot to do over their children today. They must shield their children against all these negativity. Parents must be in touch with their children even in schools.
In the same vein, the duty of a guide belongs to all Christians because every Christian should be model to the people around him/her. He/he has the obligation to be a good guide in school, in place of work and everywhere. Some guides, unfortunately feast on their followers they ought to guide. For instance, some lecturers, teachers, bosses and directors feed on their female employees. Let us always reflect the image of Jesus the Good Shepherd.
Lastly, Jesus is also telling us today not to be blind to necessary virtues that are lacking in us, it is then we can spot this lack in our brothers and have the audacity to offer to lead him on the right road. Sometimes it is easy to notice other people’s defects and sins and, not to see at all our own defects and sins. Sometimes, we are all guilty of rash judgement and unjustified criticism. Jesus is telling us today to turn this criticism to ourselves rather, and judge ourselves honestly and sincerely and in a short while we may, with God’s grace helping us, notice a change in our Christian conduct. And by so doing, we shall find ourselves becoming more Christians and therefore more charitable towards our neighbors and less critical of their faults.
May the Lord make us good guides after His own heart by living our lives worthy of our Christian calling. Amen!
Stay blessed 🙏