Daily Reflections

June 20, 2011
A GOOD PIECE OF ADVICE

Fr. Joseph G. Donders, in his book With Hearts on Fire, has a delightful story which brings home the point about today’s Gospel. It’s about a woman who used to be annoyed by the irritating cough of her pet, a parrot. The disturbing ailment persisted so she decided to take the bird to a veterinarian. He checked the parrot and found it was in perfect health.
Upon listening again to the woman who brought the parrot, the veterinarian discovered that instead of having some disease or ailment, the parrot was merely imitating the hoarse “barking” of its cigarette-smoking owner. Eventually, she herself kicked her bad habit and all became well for both the woman and her pet.
Isn’t it true that we can be often critical of others? Well, OK, perhaps that is pardonable. But isn’t it also true that the reason for our being critical of others has something to do with our own selves? That what we dislike in others is actually a reflection of our own sins?
Psychologists point out that in human relationships, there exists what is known as projection — the externalization of blame, guilt or responsibility unto others, as a defense against one’s own anxiety. For this, Jesus prescribes a homespun piece of advice (using the typical Jewish style of hyperbole): “Remove the plank from your own eye first; then you will see clearly to take the speck from your brother’s eye!”
Let’s thank the Lord today for this valuable and timely reminder — lest He shout at us and call us, too, “You hypocrite!”Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

Reflection Question:
Think of the things which irritate you in others. Reflect: could it be because I, too, have them in myself?

Clear my eyes, Lord, so that I may see also in myself what I dislike in others. Amen.

St. Bagne, pray for us.