Blind Leaders or Faithful Leaders?

Have you ever wondered what it means to be a true leader in the eyes of Christ? In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks, “Can a blind man guide a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39). The answer seems obvious. A blind person cannot lead another to the light. But what is Jesus really telling us?

He warns us about blind leadership, when someone refuses to acknowledge their faults and resists change. These leaders are quick to criticise but slow to examine their own hearts. They see the splinter in another’s eye while ignoring the plank in their own (Luke 6:41). Prideful and self-righteous, they lead others astray instead of toward Christ.

But let’s be honest: none of us are perfect. We are all sinners, carrying wounds, some inflicted by others, some self-inflicted. The difference between a false leader and a true one is self-awareness. A true leader doesn’t dwell in guilt or despair but practices humble self-reflection. They ask: Where have I fallen short? Do I put myself above God and my community? True leaders recognise their need for God’s grace and trust in His mercy to transform them. As St. Paul says, “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20).

Self-awareness leads to growth. Jesus reminds us, “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:17). Are we producing love, kindness, and forgiveness? Or are we spreading bitterness and division?

Ecclesiasticus 27:4-7 challenges us: “Do not praise a man before he has spoken, since this is the test of men.” In our parish communities, actions and words reveal who is truly ready for leadership. Do we come to church wearing a mask, only to leave with envy or judgment in our hearts? If so, we are not leading as Christ calls us to.

So how do we become true leaders? Fr Ryan in his homily tells us that the answer lies in the cross. Jesus carried His cross, and to many, He appeared to have failed in His mission, yet through it, He brought victory. Likewise, we must carry ours, not with resentment, but with love. When attacked, we must resist the urge to retaliate. Instead, we forgive, we love, and we live in the light of Christ.

True leadership begins with humility. It calls us to listen to God, acknowledge our sins, and allow Him to transform us. It challenges us to bear good fruit, compassion, mercy, and faith. Let us step into the light, carry our crosses with courage, and trust that in Christ, we are not failures. We are victorious.

Are you a blind leader, or are you guiding others to the light of Christ? Let us pray for the grace to lead with humility and follow Him with all our hearts. (BV)