DAILY GRACE
June 12, 2020, Friday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time
Scripture: Matthew 5:27-31
‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.’
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Meditation
““You shall not commit adultery.” . . . everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. . . .”
This passage begins with Jesus reiterating the known Law: “You shall not commit adultery. . “To this Jesus adds that one must avoid not only adultery but also adulterous desires. In other words, not only the visible social evil is to be avoided, but also whatever might contaminate the heart or impede the beauty and truth of love. (Certainly we know that the words of Jesus, “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away,” are not to be taken literally. This hyperbole was used to emphasize how conjugal love is so precious that one is ready to give up anything to preserve it.)
The teaching of Jesus on adultery and divorce are uncompromising for the purpose of protecting and facilitating true love. God inscribed in each of our hearts the capacity for love and communion, and with this gift we take on a responsibility. The living into this responsibility serves harmony not only for the married couple but for all of society as God blesses that which has been joined together.
Prayer
Dear God, you know our failings when it comes to love. Teach us and help us to love as you desire: to love with a pure heart and let go of anything that would interfere with love’s true meaning and intent.
Contemplation
“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.”