Wiping the Sleep from my Eyes (2)

Scripture

Jesus also used some sayings as he spoke to the people. He said: …. You can see the speck in your friend's eye. But you don't notice the log in your own eye. How can you say, “My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye,” when you don't see the log in your own eye? You show-offs! First, get the log out of your own eye. Then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend's eye. (Luke 6:39,41-42 CEVUK)

“Wiping the sleep from my eyes” (2)

This little saying of Jesus reveals the Jewish comedian side of his character. Like many of his stories, crazy word pictures generate reaction. His audience was filled with those who felt it their divine calling to evaluate and judge everyone else.

Jesus asked them to see themselves like a person walking down the street with an eight-foot two-by-four extending from their face. It makes it hard to see, even harder to carry on normal conversation or even do your shopping. It would be a nightmare at the checkout counter.

Jesus recognizes that we all do need help in keeping our perspective around judgement but the best help we can first offer is clear eyesight ourselves. Jesus’ eyesight was filled with love and compassion but also warnings about pride, greed, injustice and mercy. Our opportunity is a hard one – keeping the two-by-four at bay and releasing our compassionate vision. Getting close enough to our own truth to be safely close to those who invite help.

 A Prayer for Today

 My heart’s desire is to see you more clearly,
to love you more dearly,
to follow you more nearly,
day by day. And able to be truly helpful …. for Jesus’ sake

Richard of Chichester