Care for one another

Gospel

Matthew 5:27-32

If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell.

‘It has also been said: Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal. But I say this to you: everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of fornication, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.’

Reflection:

In this passage, Jesus challenges us to examine the deeper roots of sin—not just our outward actions, but the intentions and desires of our hearts. His words about tearing out the eye or cutting off the hand serve as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which we should approach sin, recognizing that even our thoughts can lead us astray. Jesus emphasizes purity of heart and fidelity in relationships, urging us to guard our minds and hearts against lust and divorce, which can fracture relationships and harm others. His teachings call us to a radical commitment to holiness, not just in actions, but in the intentions that motivate them.

Question for Reflection:

How am I guarding my thoughts and desires to align more closely with Christ’s call for purity and fidelity?

Short Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you teach us that sin begins in the heart. Help us to be vigilant against thoughts and desires that lead us away from your love. Grant us the strength to make radical choices for purity and fidelity, and guide us in forgiving and restoring broken relationships. Fill our hearts with your grace, that we may live in holiness and truth. Amen.

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