“Cut it off.” But what is “it” that we should be cutting off? In the first reading, Joshua wanted to cut off Eldad and Medad because they were prophesying. In the Gospel, John wants to cut off someone who was driving out demons in the name of Jesus. But Jesus tells us to cut off those things that cause us to sin.
Isn’t it interesting that humans want to “cut off” others who don’t think or act in the same way, whereas God tells humans to look to themselves and cut off personal things that are preventative to his grace?
In many cases, when problems arise, people like to assign blame: “It is so-and-so’s fault; fire him” or “The reason you’re having problems is because of so-and-so.” However, the real culprit is themselves. Sin comes from within the body, not outside. One’s mind, heart, and actions cause sin, not someone else. Remember, we pray the Confiteor: “Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.”
When Jesus tells us to “cut it off,” he is not speaking literally. He uses these graphic examples to highlight the seriousness of sin. If we truly want to become holy—and thereby attain heaven—we need to cut off or remove those things that prevent us from being godly.
This week, reflect on what needs pruning (or cutting off) in your life to make yourself more holy.
