By Praveen Bandula csc
Readings: 1Kgs 19:9, 11-16; Mt 5: 27-32
In the Gospel reading we see there is no difference between thoughts and deeds. Actions are the final product of thoughts. If a thought is good, man does good works but if his thoughts are corrupted he does wrong. Wrong thoughts will mislead a person to go away from God. But we can argue that I had a bad intention but I didn’t put it into action. But here Jesus through the gospel reading reminds us that the bad thought itself is a sinful act.
He gave us a good example of committing adultery in our thoughts through lustful looks. Jesus also asks us to choose to do good and avoid evil. If we choose luxurious life and seeking pleasures on earth, we will lose heavenly entry. He is inviting us to lose what is leading us away from God, by sacrificing our desires or bad habits for the sake of Christ.
While speaking about adultery and divorce Jesus wants us to be faithful to him, worshiping only him than going after other gods who lead us into sinful life. ‘Other gods’ refers to evil ways like jealousy, lust, anger and negative thoughts etc. So, let us focus only on one God who wants us to inherit the kingdom of God by following his teachings.