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Today's Gospel: Matthew 5:27-32

Jesus uses language can, at times, seem harsh and even confusing.  Is he really asking me to cut off my hand or rip out my eyes?  Most of my sins occur in my thoughts; I certainly can’t remove my frontal lobe?

For reflection today, I submit that perhaps Jesus is making us aware to be more cognizant of the things that lead us into sin.  Which is an answer to our prayer – because are we not seeking that guidance every time we pray – “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”?

Are we willing to first acknowledge what causes us to sin – desire for another’s spouse, attraction to inappropriate pictures or videos, the need to have our own way, or being envious of others job, house, car or prestige? Jesus is asking us to consider if we are willing to part with whatever trips us up, or could trip us up, before our personal “WHATEVERS” have caused us to fall?

The strong language merely emphasis further the importance of Jesus’ warning. His words are “truth and life”, and in every word is an outpouring of His infinite love and concern for our well-being.  In the end, which one of us can argue with the logic, “It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna”?

 

Ponder:

Where do my temptations lie, is there something or someone that I need to cut lose in order to preserve my soul?

Pray:

Jesus, I do believe that the Gospels were written for my instruction, not just for the people of biblical times but for all time.  As our society twists and turns, and continually changes -- your truths remain.  The truth that sin will rob my soul of life eternal with you, the angels and saints, our Blessed Mother, and most importantly God, Our Father.  I implore you this day to illuminate every part of my life that I need to eradicate for the preservation of my soul.

Copyright 2014 Allison Gingras