Jesus said: “If your eyes causes you
to sin, pluck it out. If you hand causes you to sin, cut it off.
You can imagine for the disciples, this statement was nothing short
of jaw-dropping. Here, the Church's wisdom and guidance gives us the
tools to help us to differentiate between literal and analogical
interpretations. The Lord does not want us to resort to
self-mutilation. It is not a necessary step towards holiness. But
the Lord does crave our holiness. God wants us to be holy, and have
a blessed and happy life. What does Holiness mean? Holiness means
being set apart for a spiritual purpose. Holiness is about
relationship, our belonging to God the Most Holy Trinity. Holiness
is more valuable than an entire whole body. St. Peter once said:
“God has called us to be holy as He is holy. If something
threatens that path towards holiness, let it go, and get rid of it.
If a book, magazine, a picture or movie gets in the way of holiness,
discard it. Thoughts that lead us to sin, turn away from them.
Don't entertain them. What else can we discard but also the
prejudices, racism and hatred, unforgiveness in our hearts. These
things do not lead us to God. They don't belong to God's Kingdom.
On the other hand, holiness is not just about cutting things out of
our life. It is also preserving, growing and fostering in other
areas. By praying with the scriptures daily, praying the daily
rosary, and reflecting upon the sacrifice of Christ, it helps us to
see our value and worth in God's eyes. We are so valuable that God
is willing to give his life for us. “For God so loved the world,
that He gave us His only beloved Son, so that all who believe in Him,
may not perish but may have eternal life (John 3:16). This is to the
extent of the depth of God's love for us. God earnestly desires us
to be holy. But God also disposes us to the many graces to help us
on our faith journey. The Holy Spirit is always willing to help us
grow in the fruit of self-control. But what happens if we do fall
into sin, don't give into despair. God still loves us, and no one is
beyond His reach. St. Paul said, nothing can separate us from the
love of God in Christ Jesus. Come Holy Spirit, help us to be holy.
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