In our first reading, a fundamental truth is brought forth; if we listen to others, we can learn a great deal about their true nature. Words spoken casually and without premeditation can speak volumes to us about the one speaking so. This is equally true when we catch ourselves in our own speech, and perhaps question some of our own feelings and motivations that may sometimes come out when we are pressed on an issue. If we are wise, and we find that we do not like what we hear, it calls then for us to go deep into introspection and determine the source of our comments, just as we would try to delve deeper into another’s motivations for comments made by them that we might find concerning. The tongue can oftentimes, when not guarded by intention, can provide a fount of information about the true nature of the one speaking. Therefore, it is important that we control this humble, yet powerful appendage, and not let it damage others or their perception of ourselves. Those who make their living by use of the spoken word (especially in public office), would do well to be especially careful, yet it is often the case that these are the ones whose arrogance and self-image leave them feeling falsely protected from the need for caution. Yet for the rest of us, this flaw can provide what we need to protect ourselves from being led astray by their ideals.
In our Gospel today, we hear of the caution of the blind leading the blind, and the potential peril this can leave both the leader and follower in. I find it interesting how these readings are paired together today, as there is a caution in each that I find complimentary between them. In our evaluation of others and ourselves, we need to consider whether the one speaking is worth following in terms of their advice, or in a more introspective sense, are we espousing ideas that are beneficial to others, or are we perhaps in danger of leading others astray by our words. In the latter instance in particular we could have much to answer for, yet also in the former in that God expects us to use the intellect He gave us to evaluate and make the best decisions we can about whose counsel we consider, or perhaps follow. The litmus test for each is actually quite simple – how does any of this align (or not) with what our Lord’s teachings are. This should always be our defacto consideration for anything we ponder along these lines.
When we put all that we are exposed to in terms of ideas, teachings, or personal positions on any topic into the light cast by Jesus’ teachings to see them in this revealing illumination, we do well. We are fallible, corruptible beings given our fallen nature, so by definition we are ill-equipped to go it alone. We need to instead have our corruptibility clad with the incorruptible grace that only God can provide. If we need any further convincing of this, we need only ask ourselves how well we have fared when we did not heed our Lord’s guidance and council in our considerations of the ideas of others, or perhaps our own. In my own life, I have witnessed the ideas of those considered wise by human standards eventually show their flaws more often than not. Yet by contrast there has been an immutable pattern of truly unflawed wisdom contained in God’s teachings when I search them. This leaves the obvious question then – why would I bother to ever place the ideas of others or anything they claim to teach, ahead of Gods? Why would I look elsewhere when the answers needed have always been there, and available to me? It is a mystery tinged with perhaps personal arrogance and stubbornness. The very definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome. Perhaps it is indeed time to make the change to looking first to God’s wisdom and viewing all other ideas and directives of others in light of them, and in doing so, bringing a bit more sanity into this world.
Podcast Link
The Deacons Bench 