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Blinded by Self
Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind person guide a
blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” Luke 6:39
As we continue reading from Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, we
encounter what is arguably the shortest parable in all of
Scripture—just two brief rhetorical questions: “Can a blind person
guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” Though
concise, these lines present a powerful metaphor. Jesus places this
parable within a broader moral discourse that warns against rash
judgment and exhorts us to mercy. Just before today’s Gospel, He
commands, “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning
and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven”
(Luke 6:37). In this context, the parable becomes a pointed
reminder that those who are spiritually blind should not presume to
lead others, lest they both stumble into error.
This parable illustrates the importance of interior conversion
before we attempt to guide others in the moral life. If we are
blinded by pride, sin, or ignorance, we risk not only hurting
ourselves but leading others astray as well. In that case, our
failure to change—rooted in self-deception—becomes a stumbling
block for those we influence.
In a modern context, consider a counselor who gives harmful advice
to someone in deep distress, a lawyer who misrepresents a client
due to incompetence, or a doctor who negligently ignores clear
signs of illness, resulting in greater suffering. In each case, the
one entrusted with another’s care fails in his duty, not
necessarily out of ignorance, but often due to pride, laziness, or
complacency.
Spiritual blindness is even more dangerous. As the context of this
parable suggests, it stems especially from judging, condemning, and
refusing to forgive. These sins are destructive because they are
cloaked in a false sense of righteousness. Judgment and
condemnation foster pride, and pride blinds the soul to the
profound depth of divine mercy we are called to extend—even toward
those who have gravely wronged us.
Immediately following this parable, Jesus offers three maxims that
apply directly to its message. First, He says, “No disciple is
superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple
will be like his teacher.” This affirms the need for humility and
proper formation in the spiritual and moral life. We must become
true disciples of Christ, submitting ourselves to His instruction,
before presuming to teach or correct others in His name.
Second, Jesus asks, “Why do you notice the splinter in your
brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?”
This descriptive image exposes the hypocrisy of focusing on the
minor faults of others while remaining blind to our own far more
serious sins.
Finally, He declares, “You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from
your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in
your brother’s eye.” Only when we are purified by grace—when the
blinding beam is removed from our own spiritual eyes—can we assist
others in seeing the truth. Then, and only then, will our guidance
flow from charity rather than pride, from wisdom rather than
presumption.
Reflect today on whether you try to guide others while remaining
spiritually blind yourself. Consider moments when you may have
judged, condemned, or withheld forgiveness, thinking you were
justified. If so, recognize that Christ does not condemn you, but
lovingly calls you to be healed by restoring your spiritual vision
with His grace. Only through humility, honest self-examination, and
sincere repentance can we be made clear-sighted and truly helpful
to others.
Most humble and perfect Lord, in Your human nature, You were the
perfect expression of the Father’s love, shining light into the
darkness of our lives by revealing Your truth and mercy. Help me
always to humble myself before You and to remain open to the
formation You offer, so that I may not only draw closer to You, but
also become a more faithful and powerful instrument of Your
presence in the world. Jesus, I trust in You.
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