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Gospel Reading for June 22, 2026 – Matthew 7: 1-5
PROJECTION
Jesus said to his disciples: “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”
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In psychology, there is a concept known as PROJECTION, an unconscious defense mechanism in which we attribute our own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or shortcomings to others. Jesus points to an even more serious form of this tendency when he says that we try to remove the splinter from another person’s eye while ignoring the wooden beam in our own.
Let us face the truth: we cannot change other people; we can only change ourselves. For example, we cannot force someone to apologize for a hurt we believe they have caused us, but we can choose to forgive even without receiving an apology. We can also take an honest look at ourselves and consider how we may have contributed to the situation, for as the saying goes, there are always two sides to every story.
Change is not easy, especially when the attitudes, habits, or behaviors that need changing have been part of our lives for many years. Yet, when we sincerely desire to follow Jesus, we are not left to struggle alone. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us, strengthen us, and help us make the changes that are necessary.
Some people may think that changing is a sign of defeat. In reality, it is not our defeat but the defeat of the evil one. Every time we overcome our pride, selfishness, resentment, or sin, grace triumphs. When we become better persons, we are the ones who truly win.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with love for God and neighbor, and transform us into the people God created us to be!
