June 14, 2019

Gospel: Matthew 5:27-32
You have heard that it was said: Do not commit adultery. But I tell you this: anyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent, has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
So, if your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away! It is much better for you to lose a part of your body, than to have your whole body thrown into hell. If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away! It is better for you to lose a part of your body, than to have your whole body thrown into hell.
It was also said: Anyone who divorces his wife, must give her a written notice of divorce. But what I tell you is this: if a man divorces his wife, except in the case of unlawful union, he causes her to commit adultery. And the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Reflections
“Do not commit adultery.”
Adultery is understood as committed when one makes love with another who is not his or her legitimate wife or husband. Here Jesus says adultery is already committed when one looks at another lustfully. Jesus raises the standard of how to look at one another from the point of view of God. Jesus teaches that other people, not only women, are not sex objects. They are humans in need of respect and God’s mercy. We treat one another with the in­ herent dignity we have. It should not be compromised.
To prevent from falling into temptation, Jesus proposes a hard saying, which of course, cannot be taken literally. Remove what makes you commit sin. It can be one’s eyes or hands. Why? Because punishment is severe. It is hell.
Jesus is also against divorce. He does not like breakdown of marriages, a sacred institution since the beginning of human life. One cannot take a partner and separate from him or her and mar­ ries another just like that.
We can avoid marital problems if the parties are prepared to make lifelong commitment, by listening to the teachings of Christ and experts in family life. Jesus wants relationships not to foul up.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2019