Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe [in me] to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. [44] 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. [46] 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, 48 where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. 49 Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.
Jesus used examples of parts of the body that are particularly precious and useful to illustrate to the disciples the extreme measures they should take to avoid causing scandal to others or themselves. He warns the disciples that anyone who leads believers astray, especially those who are vulnerable or new in the faith, will suffer severe consequences. When one thinks of “little ones” one thinks of children and all who are dependent, humble, and trusting. This warning highlights the grave responsibility of guiding others in the faith and the severe repercussions of causing them to stumble. Sin must be avoided at all costs. The references to cutting off a hand or foot and plucking out an eye are not to be taken literally but rather to emphasize the drastic measures one should take to avoid sin. Eternal life is worth any personal sacrifice.
Entering into life is entering into the kingdom of God (v. 43). The just are promised an eternal reward for faithful service. Gehenna is a reference to the valley of Ben-Hinnom, located south of Jerusalem, where children in ancient times were offered in sacrifice to the pagan god Molech (Jer. 7:31). God had forbidden the Israelites from offering their children to Molech and such an act was punishable by stoning to death and the offender being cut off from the people, likely meaning the offender’s bloodline would end. (Lev. 20:2-5). In more recent times, it was used as a garbage dump where worms fed on the refuse and the fire burned constantly. These worms and the fire became symbols of the torment the wicked would experience as punishment (Is. 66:24).
Jesus' references to salt and fire suggest that everyone will undergo some form of purification or trial. Salt is known for its preservative and purifying properties, and fire is often associated with refinement and testing. Additionally, a covenant of salt is an unbreakable covenant (Num. 18:19). Together this implies that believers will experience purification through trials and challenges as part of their spiritual journey. If salt loses its effectiveness it is worthless which implies that if the disciples lose their faith they will be of no value to the Kingdom of God. The disciples must purify themselves by remaining in Christ (Jn. 15:4). Maintaining one’s faith and integrity is essential for contributing to the peace and stability of the Christian community.
Heavenly Father, grant us the strength to avoid sin and the wisdom to guide others in truth and faith. Purify our hearts and minds through Your Holy Spirit, and help us to keep our gaze fixed on Christ so that we may contribute to the peace and stability of our communities. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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Sources:
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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