The first reading in today’s mass calls for conversion. It provides us with a unique list for self-examination. It warns us against avarice, lust, and pride, tempting God, or presuming that his mercy will ignore our sinfulness. The Gospel warns us against reckless sinning and scandal. While using graphic images of plucked eyes and maimed hands and feet, it tries to shock us into spiritual self-awareness. The point is, what is your difficulty? Your addiction? Your distressful habits? How to face them? How to counteract them?

Put salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another. So, Jesus reminds us to be more disciplined and well-seasoned. This mastery of self will bring us peace with ourselves and others. What is important for Jesus is detachment, inner freedom, and service to others, which make us true to ourselves. Finally, a glass of water offered for love of him has more value and importance than the eyes, the hand, and the foot; that is, service to others for his sake will overcome whatever difficulty or addiction that is holding us back.

Prayer.

Lord Jesus, lead me on the path of true inner freedom. Teach me the way of self-discipline and kindness through relationships that express peace and respect. Let your truth shine out from the hearts of believers, that falsehood and insincerity may have no place among your followers.