Reflect
The modern world seems confused about righteousness (doing the right thing) and self-righteousness (the certainty that our own ideas and beliefs are superior to others). The result of this confusion is condemnation, judgment, animosity, and even hatred. But Jesus warns us specifically against judging others: “How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye?” (Matthew 7:3).
Pray
Dear Jesus,
I fear the wooden beam in my eye
may be obstructing my view.
In my own indignation,
am I fixated on the splinter in my neighbor’s eye?
Am I in the group that sets out
to cast stones at the adulterous woman,
even though I have plenty of my own sins?
Open my eyes, Lord.
Remove all that obstructs my vision, even if it hurts.
Give me the grace and humility
to relinquish judgment to you alone.
Act
Imagine the large beam in your eye and visualize Jesus removing it for you. What does he show you instead?
