Reflection on Mt 5:29

If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

This verse is a continuation of the preceding verse speaking of an impure look, which is the root of the sin of adultery. Jesus gives the saving instructions in the words “cut it off and cast it from you”. In another place, He says “pluck it out”. It is not about physically cutting off your hand or foot or plucking out your eye, but rather about making an inner self-denial by cutting off a thought or feeling, that is, a momentary sensation which can take control of the human mind or will and lead a person to an irresponsible act, sin or even crime.

The words about cutting off the hand or foot mean that we should not use our members as instruments of sin. Scripture says in another place: “Men should pray with holy hands lifted up to God.” (1Ti 2:8) Our feet should not walk where there is danger. The spiritual act of cutting off is no theory but a radical step, or even a painful surgery in the sphere of emotions and thoughts. If we neglect to take this step and give in to the influence, an unclean spirit begins to work. If this happens repeatedly, the unclean spirit breaks the natural barriers in our mind and enslaves us. Finally, unless a person resists sin, this dependence may also be a cause of damnation in hell, as Jesus clearly says: “It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” So it is important to know that the struggle for moral purity requires extraordinary heroism, especially in the life of young people, which we can literally call bloodless martyrdom. The motivation for a young person is great: keep your heart pure in youth – this is the best preparation for a happy future, be it in marriage or in service to God and souls.

Download: Reflection on Mt 5:29