The “extreme” solution (through metaphors or illustrations) Jesus uses to address immorality wants to underline that we cannot take lightly the dangers of evil and wrongdoing. “Plucking out the eye” or “cutting one’s limb” that causes the sin or scandal is supposed to be the ultimate remedy to the situation. While this is seen as an “extreme” measure, it “guarantees” the eradication of the problem. We may find ourselves “mutilated” or “imperfect” by doing so, but, as Jesus says, in the end, it is better that way than losing everything altogether. Indeed, we can take our misdeeds or wrongdoing lightly and find every possible way of justifying them. In so doing, we never really address them. On the other hand, overcoming one’s weaknesses cannot be done overnight: it can only happen with persistent or unrelenting dedication, but also with a strong reliance on the help of the Holy Spirit which can make all things possible. But it needs firm determination and resolve, in the first place.

Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the Body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. or we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we too believe and therefore speak, knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.

Jesus said to his disciples, “You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, 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 to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. 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 to have your whole body go into Gehenna.

“It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce. But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”