Can the blind lead the blind? (Lk 6:39)
Sunday 2 March 2025 – VIII Sunday – Ordinary Time (C)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
The Liturgy of the Word for this Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time draws our special attention to the words we speak and the state of our hearts. The first reading, from the Book of Sirach, teaches us that the words spoken by an individual serve as a gauge to measure his or her inner disposition. Both the first reading and the Gospel warn us to be cautious of false teachers who could lead us into sin and wrongdoing. Jesus conveys this teaching through vivid imagery: a blind man leading another, a disciple not being above the teacher, and a man with a plank in his own eye attempting to remove the speck in another’s.
In the second reading, St. Paul emphasizes how death-the
last enemy (1 Cor 15:26) -along with its allies, the law, the flesh, and sin,
has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Christ the Lord. The
reign of death stands in direct opposition to the reign of new life in Christ
(Rom 5:17, 21). The gift of grace in Christ Jesus calls believers to be
transformed, engage in works of righteousness, and live for God.
The first reading is taken from the Book of Sirach, written by Jesus Ben Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus (meaning “belonging to the Church,” “book of the Church,” or “to be read in the Church”). His father was Sirach, and his grandfather was Eleazar (cf. Sir 50:27). Jesus Ben Sirach was a teacher in Jerusalem, and this book, originally written in Hebrew, was later translated into Greek during the great Jewish diaspora in Alexandria, Egypt.
The second reading, from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, continues from last Sunday’s passage. In last Sunday’s reading, St. Paul presented a powerful contrast between Adam and Christ, reminding the Corinthian Christian disciples that, although we bear the image of Adam in our human nature, we are also destined to bear the image of Christ, the life-giving Spirit.
Continuing this theme, St. Paul in today’s second reading reiterates the sharp contrast between the human and divine realms. He proclaims that death is swallowed up when the perishable body puts on imperishability and the mortal body puts on immortality. Quoting Isaiah 25:8 and Hosea 13:14, he declares in light of Christ’s resurrection: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1 Cor 15:54-55).
Death is an inevitable part of the biological process of nature (Rom 1:32). That is why Paul asks, “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom 7:24). However, from a theological perspective, there is a profound connection between sin and death. St. Paul warns that sin leads to death, while obedience to God leads to righteousness (Rom 6:16). He teaches that death is the ultimate consequence of a sinful life (Rom 6:21). Though the wages of sin is death, God offers us the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 6:23). Paul reminds believers that they are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus (Rom 6:11). Therefore, through our holy lives, we are called to bear witness as people freed from death (Rom 6:13).
However, the theologian Oscar Cullmann suggests that the true death of a believer consists in separation from the divine presence, living a life estranged from God, and experiencing His divine wrath. Sin is thus the real evil that, according to Christ, turns death into a deadly poison-it is sin that gives death its sting and makes it destructive.
Finally, St. Paul explains that, while the Law is holy and good (Rom 7:12-13) and intended to bring life, it paradoxically brings the opposite effect in the context of human fallenness, sin, and bondage (Rom 3:20; 6:20; 7:7). However, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us (Gal 3:13). Since Christ is the end of the Law (Rom 10:4), He inaugurates a new life in which God and humanity meet in a direct divine relationship. Christ has thus established a new relationship with God, apart from the Law (Rom 3:21), fulfilling its righteous requirements (Rom 8:4).
The Gospel Reading
Today's Gospel passage marks the conclusion of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain in the Gospel of Luke. This discourse includes key themes such as blessings and woes, love for enemies, and the call to avoid judging others-topics we have reflected on in the previous Sunday readings.
Now, imagine the audacity of a blind person attempting to lead another who is also blind. This striking image underlines the dangerous consequences of following misguided leaders. The importance of eyesight is reflected in the Old Testament, where the principle of retribution was "an eye for an eye" (Mt 5:38; cf. Ex 21:24; Lev 24:20; Deut 19:21). The book of Ecclesiastes warns, “The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor is the ear filled with hearing” (Eccl 1:8). Similarly, in the Book of Genesis, Eve was tempted by the serpent when she saw that the forbidden fruit was pleasing to the eyes (Gen 3:6), leading to the fall into sin.
The Eye is the Lamp of the Body
Going a step further, Jesus declares, "The eye is the lamp of the body" (Mt 6:22; Lk 11:34). He warns that looking at a woman lustfully is equivalent to committing adultery in the heart (Mt 5:28). Indeed, the heart does not desire what the eye has not first seen. The precious gift of sight, if misused, can lead a person to spiritual ruin. Jesus goes to the extent of saying that if the eye causes one to stumble, it should be removed to avoid eternal condemnation: "If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.” (Mt 18:9). Therefore, we must train our eyes to remain pure, so that we do not become spiritually blind.
A Blind Person Leading Another Blind Person
The first image Jesus presents in today's Gospel is that of a blind person leading another blind person. At first glance, the outcome of such a scenario is obvious: both will inevitably fall into a pit. Using this analogy, Jesus imparts a profound lesson to His disciples. He compares the Jewish religious leaders to blind guides who were leading God’s people toward destruction. Thus, He urges His followers to be vigilant: "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will they not both fall into a pit?" (Lk 6:39).
This idea is reinforced later in the chapter, where Jesus compares the foolish man to someone who builds his house on sand without a firm foundation (Lk 6:46-49). Such individuals refuse to heed the words of Christ. Even today, we must be cautious about whom we allow to guide us. Many false leaders claim to speak in the name of God but do not base their teachings or lives on Christ. As the saying goes, "Without vision, the people perish." The vision we follow must be rooted in truth so that it produces good fruit in our lives.
Jesus also reminds His disciples of their role in relation to Him as their Master. No disciple is greater than the teacher. To be a true follower of Christ, one must imitate Him: "A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher." (Lk 6:40). As the ultimate Teacher sent by God, Jesus calls His disciples to a life of humility, love for enemies, and restraint from judging others. He reminds them that God alone has the authority to judge, for He sees the depths of each person’s heart.
In verses 41-42, Jesus illustrates His point using the powerful imagery of a log and a speck. Every person has faults, yet a self-righteous individual is quick to point out the minor flaws of others while ignoring their own glaring shortcomings. Jesus warns against this hypocrisy: "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" (Lk 6:41). Rather than condemning others, we must first examine our own lives, repent of our sins, and seek God’s grace. Only then can we see clearly enough to guide others in truth.
A Good Tree vs. A Bad Tree
The third image Jesus presents is the unmistakable truth that a tree is known by its fruit: "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes or grapes from briers” (Lk 6:43-44). This analogy highlights the distinction between true and false teachers. The good tree represents those who follow Christ and put His teachings into practice-especially His commands on love and mercy. The bad tree, on the other hand, symbolizes false prophets who lead others astray with teachings that contradict Christ’s message. The fruit of their lives ultimately reveals their true nature.
Those who have experienced God’s mercy extend that same mercy to others. Jesus affirms that a person's words and actions stem from the state of their heart: "The good person brings good out of the good treasure of the heart, and the evil person brings evil out of evil treasure; for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Lk 6:45). This echoes the wisdom found in Sirach: "The test of a person is in his conversation; just as a tree is known by its fruit, so a person's speech reveals the cultivation of their mind” (Sir 27:5-6). A good person cannot consistently speak evil, just as a corrupt person cannot consistently speak truth. What fills our hearts will inevitably flow out through our words and actions.
Points for Personal Reflection
Lesson from the First Image: A Blind Man Leading Another
The first image in today’s Gospel-the blind leading the blind-highlights the importance of choosing the right teacher and examining oneself before offering criticism (Lk 6:39-42). These concluding instructions from the Sermon on the Plain serve as a form of catechesis for the Christian community in Luke’s Gospel. Jesus explicitly refers to false teachers within the community and poses a thought-provoking question: If their religious leaders are blind to Christ’s teachings and refuse to recognize the Messiah in their midst, how can they possibly lead the people? “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” (Lk 6:39).
In the parallel passage from Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus issues a stern warning about such leaders, urging the people to avoid their teachings: “Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Mt 15:14).
Beyond merely identifying false teachers, Jesus challenges His disciples to become true teachers themselves, ensuring they do not turn into blind guides (Acts 8:31). His words remain relevant today, cautioning us to be discerning about whom we follow. In an era filled with misleading ideologies, deceptive teachings, and distorted doctrines, we must choose our spiritual guides wisely, ensuring they lead us toward Christ, the Church, and a life of righteousness.
Lesson from the Second Image: The Tree and Its Fruit
The second image in today’s Gospel concerns the principle that a tree is known by its fruit (Lk 6:43-45). Here, the word “fruit” symbolizes human deeds, whether good or bad, as seen throughout Scripture (Hos 10:13; Is 3:10; Jer 17:10; 21:14). Just as the quality of a tree’s fruit is assessed over time, the fruits of our lives—our actions and words—reveal the condition of our hearts. A heart rooted in Christ will bear good fruit, reflecting holiness and integrity.
Discipleship, therefore, is measured by the fruits it produces. A soul where Christ dwells will radiate goodness, for the quality of our actions and speech is determined by the state of our hearts. Just as a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, neither can a corrupt heart produce righteousness. Jesus affirms this truth: “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit” (Lk 6:43-44).
This teaching finds further support in today’s first reading: “The fruit reveals the nature of the root.” Similarly, in Mark 7:20, Jesus reminds us that “What comes out of a person is what defiles them.” He emphasizes that impurity originates from within, from the heart’s sinful inclinations (Mt 15:19). Thus, we are called to guard our hearts, ensuring they remain rooted in Christ so that our words and actions reflect His truth. As disciples, our relationship with Christ must yield good fruit. If we truly abide in Him, our lives will reflect His love, mercy, and righteousness.
Lesson from the Third Image: The Speck and the Log
Jesus’ third image in today’s Gospel challenges us to examine ourselves before judging others. Often, we are quick to notice the speck in our brother’s eye while ignoring the log in our own (Lk 6:4-42). This imagery underscores the hypocrisy of self-righteousness. A judgmental attitude often stems from an unreflective, hardened heart-one that overlooks personal failings while magnifying the faults of others.
The exaggerated contrast between a tiny speck and a massive log serves as a powerful reminder: before offering correction, we must first cleanse our own hearts. The Apostle Paul reinforces this in Galatians 6:1, urging believers to correct others with humility, recognizing their own weaknesses. All of us are sinners in need of God’s mercy. Before condemning others, we must humbly seek reconciliation with God, acknowledging our own shortcomings. Only then will we be able to assist our brothers and sisters with true compassion and wisdom.
A Call to Self-Examination
Can I refrain from rashly judging others? The Rabbis taught: “He who judges his neighbour favourably will himself be judged favourably by God.” Jesus echoes this truth in the Gospel: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven" (Lk 6:37). Before seeking to correct others, let us examine our own hearts. May we strive to be good trees bearing good fruit, humble disciples who extend Christ’s mercy rather than harsh judgment.
Are you a blind guide? Are you blind? Are you spiritually blind?
The first and second readings calls us to deep reflection. Our words, actions, and lives should bear witness to the transformative power of God’s grace. Just as Christ has conquered sin and death, we too are called to overcome our sinful tendencies and live as true disciples, reflecting the holiness and righteousness of God.
Jesus calls us to spiritual clarity, self-examination, and authentic discipleship. We must reject blind leadership and instead follow Christ, the true Light. Our speech and actions should be a reflection of a heart transformed by God’s grace. As we examine our own lives, let us strive to be good trees bearing good fruit, leading others by example in the way of truth, love, and righteousness.
May the Lord grant us the grace to speak words that edify, to discern truth from falsehood, and to live in the freedom and righteousness of Christ -Amen.
