Relax. Today’s
reading is not going to suggest you pluck out your
eyes to avoid Internet smut. Contrary to some radical
clerics in the Middle Ages, most Christians have
interpreted Jesus’ statement as
figurative.
So what do these challenging
words mean? I suggest that when it comes to sin, Jesus
recommends drastic measures. To fight sin, he seems to
say, come loaded for bear.
As a result, we should get
serious about pornography, the first step on a pathway
to adultery or fornication. While we should leave the
eye-gouging to Friar Abelard, it might mean — are
you ready for this? — nixing your Internet
access. That’s what one of my friends did. Now he
uses the Internet at only work, a place where
he’s not tempted to enter the Web’s
red-light district.
Though that option may not be
for you, Jesus’ challenge is: Take drastic
measures.
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* Scriptures are from The Holy
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