Can a Blind Man Lead a Blind Man?

Friday, 13 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22-27, Ps. 84:3-6,12, Luke 6:39-42

“Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39)

The success of St. Paul as a great evangelizer came from the fact that he did not simply preach; he allowed his preaching to affect his own life. That is to say, he practised what he preached. He was not like the hypocrites Jesus strongly condemned.

- The best form of preaching is preaching that does not involve words. Jesus says, if you want to help your brother remove the speck in his eye, first remove the log in your eye so you can see clearly to help your brother. Good preaching begins with an examination of conscience. What good will it be to help others achieve heaven only to end up in hell yourself?

- St. Paul says: “If I preach the Gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting.” So, as I preach, I must exercise a great deal of self-control, like an athlete who disciplines himself to win the prize. I must ensure I do not fall into the same sins I preach about. As such, “I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)

- A blind man cannot lead a blind man. To be a good leader, one must be above his followers. You must have a vision, see the future you intend to create, and ensure your followers see it. You cannot be a good leader if you cannot see beyond your followers. Perhaps this explains our situation in this country. Why doesn’t it seem as though we are in a pit?

- A good leader should see beyond his followers, even spiritually. Do you know why Jesus made Peter the head of the apostles? When Jesus asked about His identity, only Peter heard from the Holy Spirit. Jesus said: “Flesh and blood have not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17). Do you head any organisation in the church? Don’t joke with your prayers lest, in your blindness, the devil makes you his instrument.

- Today, we remember St. John Chrysostom. He was born in Antioch. After a thorough education, he took up the ascetic life. He was ordained to the priesthood and became a fruitful and effective preacher. He was elected Patriarch of Constantinople in 397 and was energetic in reforming the ways of the clergy and the laity alike. His sermons and writings did much to explain the Catholic faith and to encourage the living of the Christian life: his eloquence earned him the surname “Chrysostom” (the Greek for “golden mouth”).

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, open our eyes to be better leaders. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop, Doctor. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22-27, Ps. 84:3-6,12, Luke 6:39-42).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu