Fr Luke Macnamara OSB
In every human eye, there is a natural blind spot. The optic disk conveys the nerve messages from the retina to the brain to be processed and produce images, but the area of the disk itself receives no messages and so there is a gap in the image. However, the brain produces a corrected image which makes up for the blind spot and so we see no black dot in our field of vision.
The natural tendency to hide blind spots is much overused. We all see what is before us in a particular way, noting some things, and not noting others. Some will see children playing in a park as making fun, others will see them as making a nuisance. The world is not observed in a neutral way but from one’s perspective. This perspective can seek to view signs of life and joy or seek evidence to judge and condemn. Jesus’ metaphor of the plank in the eye reflects the latter view, a distorted vision of God’s wonderful creation, that sees only the faults of others and ultimately renders such viewers bitter and resentful.
Jesus’ teaching to the disciples uses several sayings which explore not only how disciples might use their eyes, but also their mouths and ears, their hands and feet, and, most importantly, their heart. Our way of seeing, speaking, hearing, and doing, all flow from the heart. A sound heart is essential for life as a disciple of Jesus. Close examination of the signs of the state of the heart is important and such signs are observed in our speech, deeds and vision.
Jesus invites us to examine ourselves. Sirach uses three images to describe how speech might be tested. The sieve allows true speech to percolate through but leaves behind rough and coarse elements. The kiln tests the potter’s work, and a person’s conversation reveals his or her character. The tree is known by the quality of its fruit and so a person’s feelings are known by the quality of his or her words. Humans are relational beings, and speech is a key element of relationship. It is a powerful tool. To put in a good word – may change the outlook for someone in despair. To put down might provoke despair. Great care is needed in speech and should form a key part of self-examination.
Jesus reuses the metaphor of the tree and the fruit but focuses on action or production of fruit, to reflect on people’s deeds. Jesus has moved from considering eyes, mouth and ears to the practical activities of hands and feet. No part of the potential disciple is exempt from attention. There is to be no blind spot. Instead, the transformation of the whole person is in view. By this transformation, the disciple sees, speaks, hears and acts in accordance with the way of blessedness that Jesus has just exposited in the beatitudes.
Perhaps the greatest danger is self-deception, thinking we are clear-sighted but in fact either blind or having a plank in our eyes obstructing our vision. Too often we seek to judge others for their minor failings while not seeing our own. Jesus invites us to honestly examine ourselves, not to condemn ourselves, but to choose the way of life and happiness for ourselves and offer it to others.