Mark 9:41-50

Reflection

Jesus tells his disciples that anyone who causes a little child to sin would be better off if they were thrown into the sea. He says that if your hand, foot, or eye cause you to sin, then cut them off, for it is better to enter heaven disfigured in some way than go to hell fully intact.

If a certain body part is causing you to sin, you will obviously not cut it off physically. But Jesus is telling us that we must get rid of that sin, and many times this means restraining ourselves in some way. If you are prone to gossiping or complaining, work on not speaking at those particular times. If you’re prone to lust, you must shield your eyes at appropriate times. If you are prone to overeating and gluttony, you need to remove extra food from your surroundings.

All of this requires discipline, which Jesus can help you achieve. We must first conquer our lower appetites – which usually involve the body – in order to continue down the path of holiness. Reflect on your most frequent sins and ask the Lord to help you grow in discipline and detachment from those sins. It can be a lifelong struggle, but one that is worth it.

Saint of the Day

St. Gregory of Narek: ca. 945 – 1003

“I was dropped in the womb of the church; and being nursed with milk from her spiritual breasts, I was honored as a priest in her great house, and was privileged to partake of her old and new treasures, albeit unworthily.”   Discourse, St. Gregory