Matthew 5:27-32 NRSVue
27“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell., 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.
31“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”
Reflection on Matthew 5:27-32
Inspiration from 2025-06-13 Daily Prayer
Jesus came among us with a teaching that was new, the new wine of the kingdom of God, and he taught with authority, an authority from God the Father who sent him. He called us to honour and respect the dignity of every human person, for we are all the children of God. Our world would be a very different place if this were practised by all. What are our own attitudes to those who are different from us in gender, race, or religion?
Further reflection
Again, how challenging the Gospel is, to be loving and faithful as God is to us! I am called to be as Jesus was (and is). “He loved his own to the end.”
This violent imagery of tearing out my eye is trying to help me to see the very bad outcomes for me and others when I am unloving.
With this challenge I need to hold the compassion and mercy of God too! ‘I have come to seek out the lost, to call sinners’.
Being fully human he knows how difficult this law of love is for us. I am offered the ideal, of a love that is ever faithful and constant and also aware of my fragility. Talk with Jesus about this challenge!