Gospel Commentary – September 12, 2025

September 12, 2025

A blind person cannot lead another blind person. A basic truth, simple to understand. It immediately makes us think of all those in this world who place themselves above others and pretend to guide their lives—telling them what is good and what is bad, punishing them if they do something “forbidden” (forbidden by whom?). This has always happened, it happens now, and it will happen in the future. Also because there are many people who prefer to be told what to do rather than assume the responsibility of making their own decisions. And yet, that is precisely what Jesus calls us to: to be free and responsible for our lives, even at the risk of making mistakes.

This has happened, happens, and will continue to happen in every sphere of life: in politics, in family life, in the workplace, and, of course, in the Church. The Church hierarchy has long taken on this role of guide. That is understandable. But what is not understandable is hearing a cardinal once say that the hierarchy is like the fishermen and the laity are like the fish they catch in their nets. Nor is it understandable to hear a priest call himself a “spiritual master.” What an exalted opinion some people have of themselves! I don’t think it has much to do with the Gospel.

The truth is that we are all disciples, listeners of the Word, and followers of Jesus. From the layperson to the pope: all disciples. All carrying our miseries, our poverty. But all also entrusted by Jesus with the mission of announcing the Good News of the Kingdom to everyone. And if anyone dares to speak a word to another—or to others—they must do so with great humility, accepting the possibility of being wrong. Always remembering that the other person remains ultimately responsible for his or her own life and decisions. And what we must do is precisely encourage them to grow and to make their own choices.

Always with great humility, because—let’s be realistic—it may be that my brother has a speck in his eye, but I almost certainly have a beam in mine.

Fernando Torres, cmf