Remove Your Log First!
1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14; Psalm 16; Luke 6:39-42
Jesus says, “Why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the log in your own?”* (Luke 6:41). We live in a world quick to criticize, quick to condemn, and quick to expose another’s fault; while ignoring our own sins.
Many of us want to guide others, yet our own vision is blurred by pride, envy or anger. Hypocrisy blinds us—like the blind leading the blind, both end up in the pit. Instead of magnifying others’ flaws, we must first confront our own weaknesses with humility.
St. Paul in the first reading (1 Tim. 1:12–14) admits his sinful past but celebrates the mercy he received. That humility empowered him to guide Timothy. Beloved, the world does not need more judges but witnesses of mercy. Let us remove our logs, receive God’s forgiveness, and then help our brothers with love, not condemnation.
Prayer:
Lord, open our eyes to see our own faults clearly. Remove pride and hypocrisy from our hearts, and make us instruments of your mercy. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
