Zabenthung Dominic

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the seriousness of sin and how important it is to remove anything from our lives that leads us into sin. It begins with John telling Jesus about someone casting out demons in His name, but Jesus quickly redirects the conversation to focus on how we live and act, especially when it comes to leading others astray or falling into sin ourselves.

The first part of the passage highlights the need for openness and unity. John was concerned that someone outside their group was performing miracles in Jesus’ name. Jesus, however, tells them not to stop the man. This teaches us an important lesson about inclusivity. Often, we may judge others because they don’t belong to our community, church, or group. But Jesus emphasizes that anyone who acts in His name, even if they are not directly with us, is working for the kingdom of God. This has a practical application for us today. In our families, workplaces, and communities, we should avoid division based on differences. Instead, we should focus on the common good and support others who are also trying to make a positive difference, even if they approach things differently than we do.

The next part of the passage gets intense. Jesus talks about the dangers of leading others, especially “little ones,” into sin. He says it’s better to have a millstone tied around your neck and be thrown into the sea than to cause someone else to stumble. This strong language reminds us that our actions have consequences. When we lead others astray, especially the vulnerable, we are not only harming them but also damaging our own spiritual health. In practical terms, this calls us to reflect on our influence. Whether as parents, teachers, friends, or coworkers, we must be aware of how our behavior impacts others. Are we leading people closer to God and truth, or are we pushing them away through gossip, anger, or dishonesty? This is a reminder to act with integrity and kindness, knowing that others are watching.

Jesus then goes on to make radical statements about cutting off a hand, foot, or even plucking out an eye if they cause you to sin. While this is not meant to be taken literally, the message is clear: anything that causes us to sin must be removed from our lives, no matter how difficult it may be. Jesus is telling us that sin is serious, and we should do whatever it takes to avoid it. In today’s context, this might mean distancing ourselves from situations or people that lead us into temptation. It could be cutting out harmful habits like excessive drinking, unhealthy relationships, or even something as simple as gossip. The idea is to make personal sacrifices to live a life that aligns with God’s will. This passage challenges us to reflect on what we need to “cut off” from our lives to live more faithfully. It may not be easy, but it’s necessary for our spiritual health and growth.

In our everyday lives, we are surrounded by things that can lead us into sin—whether it’s materialism, negative influences from media, or personal desires. We are called to take conscious steps to avoid these traps. Maybe this means setting boundaries with technology, being more mindful of the content we consume, or avoiding environments that make it harder for us to act according to our values. Each of us has influence over others, and this passage challenges us to reflect on that influence. Do we uplift and encourage others, or do we contribute to negativity or temptation? It’s a call to be more conscious of how our words and actions affect others, particularly those who are more vulnerable or easily influenced.

Finally, the call for unity is something we can apply in our communities. Whether it’s at church, in our social groups, or workplaces, it’s easy to fall into the trap of division, but Jesus reminds us to welcome others who work in His name. We should celebrate differences and focus on the larger mission rather than becoming territorial or exclusive. Ultimately, this passage calls us to take our faith seriously and to be vigilant about our actions. It’s not just about avoiding sin for ourselves but also about helping others stay on the right path. It challenges us to make difficult decisions, cut out things that lead us away from God, and be mindful of how we influence those around us. By living in a way that reflects these teachings, we can build a more compassionate, inclusive, and holy life.