In today's Gospel Jesus almost sounds as if he were telling us to ignore the failings of others because we are not worthy to point out or correct their mistakes and we should rather remove the log from our eyes first. If this is the case, no one would challenge another. Looking at the speck in another's eye is not negative and we must exercise good judgment in distinguishing between the good and evil around us. When we look at our own lives we realize that those who helped us grow were those who supported and understood us, not those who judged and condemned us. Similarly, we, too, need to reflect on ourselves constantly before hastily judging others. We need to exercise Christian charity towards those who are going astray by bringing them to a life of holiness. Otherwise, instead of helping them to grow, we may be simply guilty of back-biting. We are all called to grow in holiness and perfection and be the heavenly Father. When we discipline ourselves by cultivating the fruits of the Spirit, we grow in inner awareness and become light of the world and salt of the earth through our true Christian living.