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.
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Some thoughts on this scripture
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.”
Reflection
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.
Reflection
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’.
Reflection
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!