Transcript
Did you realise that, when you point the finger at someone, you actually point three fingers at yourself. As more than one commentator on life has observed, when you judge somebody, you speak more about who you are rather than who they are. Jesus uses humour to make this point to his hearers. You can’t help but smile when you envisage the image of a one blind person trying to lead another, let alone somebody who is also blind; or a person with a plank sticking out of their eye. Our criticisms can often come out of how we have been conditioned, which may be blind, or trying to disguise our own weaknesses. I am sure you’ve heard the saying, me thinks he protests too much. In other words, what is he trying to cover up by complaining? We all have our blind spots. Which is why it is always best when we feel the need to criticise another, to stop and ask why and where we are coming from. After all, as the readings this weekend tell us, our words are a revelation of who we are, not of what somebody else is. I am reminded of the story of the five blind people who go to a zoo and are introduced to an elephant for the first time. When asked what they think it is like, one who is holding its tail remarks, “It reminds me of a snake”. A second, grabbing one of its legs, says, “Not at all. It is like a tree trunk”. To which a third retorts, “I think it is closest to a knife!” He is holding a tusk. While, beside him, swinging its trunk, the fourth adds his bit, “You’re all wrong. It is a hose.” Meanwhile, from on the ground, a fifth voice from one who has run into the side of the elephant and fallen, pipes up, “Well, none of those things would have knocked me over. I am sure it is like a barn.” We all have our own perspective on life and nobody sees it all. So next time you feel like criticising somebody, can I suggest you pause and ask yourself, what’s the elephant in the room?