What are my motives?

The words that stand out for me in todays gospel from Luke 6:39-42 are when Jesus says, ''How can you say to your brother, 'let me take out the splinter that is in your eye' when you cannot see the plank that is in your own?'' Jesus is asking us why we are so judgmental and critical of others. How can we overcome what is such a common failing? I was helped when I read the following, not in a religious book, but in a novel. A character was asked how he could maintain his calmness in the midst of difficult and emotional situations of his dangerous work. He said, ''I look deeply into my heart and ask what my motives are.'' So what are my motives when I judge and find fault with another? Is it that I am proud and pull my neighbour down to build myself up? Am I envious of another who seems to be better than me and so I want to show that he is not as good as he seems? Or is it because I have a low opinion of myself because I don't believe that God loves me? If I am a beloved daughter or son of God, why do I feel the need to affirm myself by attacking others? We all have our self doubts and weaknesses but it is so good when someome shows me a sign of afection, so in my relation with others, help me, Lord, to make my main motive the desire to be as affectionate and affirming to others as I like them to be to me.

 

Don Hornsey