Jesus said, "You see the sliver in your friend's eye, but you don't see the timber in your own eye. When you take the timber out of your own eye, then you will see well enough to remove the sliver from your friend's eye."(26 Thomas)

Self-critique and even a small bit of self-awareness leads naturally to a tolerance - and even an appreciation - for the faults of others.

Given my own failures, how can I get too excited regarding the struggles of others? Whether sliver or timber there seems to be plenty of wood, dust, and more flying about.

Today is the first full day of Passover. During these days observant Jews will avoid all contact with anything yeasty, recalling a quick escape from Egypt.

Ridding one's life of chametz has become a spiritual analogy for removing anything that puffs up the soul or ego. These are days to recognize we are flawed and foolish.

These are also days to recall we are - in the very midst of failure - loved, cherished, and offered abundant life.

Saying 26 is very similar to Matthew 7:3-5 and Luke 6:41-42. Above is Thomas encountering the risen Christ by Caravaggio.