Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? Jesus’ series of teachings which followed the Beatitudes continued to expound on the transformative values of the kingdom that was introduced in the Beatitudes. Just like in the Beatitudes wherein Jesus was addressing the real economic and social conditions of the society of which he was part, the set of teachings that followed were also occasioned by the experiences that Jesus had. Jesus had witnessed the harassment and mistreatment that was accorded individuals who were perceived as enemies; he had seen how mere creatures had assumed the position of God by embracing judgmental attitudes; he had seen those who regarded themselves as righteous and keepers of the law engage in actions and behaviors that were not commensurate with who they were claiming to be.
In these teachings, we see Jesus seeking to remind his disciples of the new standard that is expected of them as those who have opened their hearts to the message of the kingdom that he was preaching. In case they were yet to get it, the values of the kingdom inaugurated by Jesus are so different from the values of the world. As a matter of fact, it does appear that the values of the kingdom are paradoxes, that is, they are the values of the world turned upside down. What had made sense in the world appear not to be so in the kingdom: perceived enemies are to be accorded the same treatment extended to friends; no passing of judgment on a fellow brother/sister even if they are on the wrong; espousing the virtue of humility by forgiving others. In other words, those attitudes/behaviors which are ordinarily treated with contempt and associated with the lowly become prized values in the kingdom. And in the same measure, those attitudes and behaviors which are highly coveted in the world are reduced to vices (revenge, unforgiving hearts, judgmental attitudes). However, this does not mean that there is a deliberate attempt to turn things upside down.
The passage that constitutes today’s Gospel reading is part of a larger passage sub-titled, “Integrity” (NJB). In a way, it sums up the teachings of Jesus that followed the Beatitudes. The passage points to the reason why those who have embraced the message of Jesus must act in a certain way. The disciples of Jesus must maintain the integrity of the kingdom. The kingdom preached by Jesus sets itself apart by prioritizing love, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, and forbearance. It is through these values that those who belong to the kingdom will turn the hearts of men and women back to God. But in order for this to happen, those who already belong to the kingdom (Jesus’ disciples) must be ready to walk the talk. They must be ready to assume leadership positions in the transformation of the universe.
By calling on his disciples to stop judging, Jesus was not urging them to look the other way when a wrong is being perpetrated. By calling upon them to forgive their wrongdoers, Jesus was not asking his disciples to tolerate wrongdoing and lawlessness in the society. Rather, he was simply reminding them that none of us is qualified enough to judge another because all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (cf. Romans 3:23). Judgment is reserved for he/she who is not subject to judgment (one who is without sin). But since before God only Jesus Christ is without sin (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15; I John 3:5), none of us should refuse to forgive the wrongdoing of his/her brother/sister. Failure to recognize this fact is the blindness to which Jesus was referring.
The disciples of Jesus have been called and given an important role to play in the inauguration of the kingdom of God. As partners with Jesus in ministry, they have taken upon themselves the responsibility of being both the light and salt of the earth (cf. Matthew 5:14). Theirs is a responsibility of showing the others the path that leads to the kingdom. But before they can preach the kingdom to the others, they themselves must demonstrate by their lives that they believe in the message of the kingdom. Before a disciple of Jesus can preach about forgiveness and compassion, he/she must be ready both to forgive and to be forgiven. In other words, he/she must recognize that we are all sons and daughters of a merciful God who in turn calls us to be merciful.