Rising from the table, Matthew quietly left the room.  Seeing the frown on his face, Mary Magdalene called out, Matthew, what is troubling you?  Once again, Mary, Jesus is talking in riddles.  I would not ask a blind man to lead me.  If I were blind, I would not try to lead anyone else.  Nodding in agreement, Mary responded, I am often confused when I first a new teaching.  Usually, I need more time than the others, but some of this teaching was easier for me to follow. 

Mary continued, the blind person is someone who finds fault with others’ actions and words.  He judges them rather than noticing his sins – the beam in his eye.  Remember the man with the withered hand (Lk 6:6-11) and how Jesus cured him on the Sabbath?  The scribes and Pharisees could not see past the Law to notice how he and his family were suffering.  Jesus considered loving him as important, if not more so, than loving the Law.   

Mary, that helps me understand what he said about disciples being like their teachers (Lk 6:40).  The scribes and Pharisees learn to follow and enforce the Law.  The Law is the big log that hides the people’s suffering from their sight.  Jesus is not like that.  He knows and respects the Law, and he goes further.  Jesus teaches that God loves us and that we are God’s chosen people.  Then, He shows us God’s love by easing people’s pain.  That’s what he wants us to do.  Grow our minds and our hearts. 

Yes!  Yes, Matthew.  We must first be students, learning from Jesus how to live and make good choices, but we will never be Jesus.  I do not know if I will ever be considered a teacher, but perhaps I can be a guide, pointing the way to God through Jesus.  I will try to never lose sight of the beam that blinds me, but how can I do that?  I will need help.     

Oh, Mary, you will always have help.  When Jesus sends us out, we will help each other stay centered on the Lord’s teaching.  I want you to help me notice the beam I am carrying, especially if I start judging others.  Do you want me to help you?   

Thank you, Matthew.  I want your help, but it is late.  Perhaps we should continue this conversation in the morning after a good night’s rest. 

Alleluia, alleluia, Your word, O Lord, is truth, consecrate us in the truth.