A parable forming part of the Sermon on the Mount, and read in the Gospel the first Sunday after Pentecost (Matthew 7; Luke 6). It was not intended to discourage fraternal correction, but directed against all those, of whom the Pharisees were striking examples, who are inclined to judge harshly of others and to disregard the correction of their own faults. To prevent them from becoming blind leaders of the blind, Our Lord warned not only His Apostles, but all His followers, whether superiors or not, to strive first and above all at self-sanctification. Then enlightened by their own experience they would know better how to direct others; and enlightening others by their good example, they could reprove and counsel with more authority and persuasiveness