[What] causes you to sin

The “extreme” solution (through metaphors or illustrations) Jesus uses to address immorality wants to underline that we cannot take lightly the dangers of evil and wrongdoing.

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“Plucking out the eye” or “cutting one’s limb” that causes the sin or scandal is supposed to be the ultimate remedy to the situation. While this is seen as an “extreme” measure, it “guarantees” the eradication of the problem. We may find ourselves “mutilated” or “imperfect” by doing so, but, as Jesus says, in the end, it is better that way than losing everything altogether. Indeed, we can take our misdeeds or wrongdoing lightly and find every possible way of justifying them. In so doing, we never really address them. On the other hand, overcoming one’s weaknesses cannot be done overnight: it can only happen with persistent or unrelenting dedication, but also with a strong reliance on the help of the Holy Spirit which can make all things possible. But it needs firm determination and resolve, in the first place.

First Reading • 2 Cor 4:7-15