Have you ever been reading scripture and wondered exactly what is being said? For example, when Jesus tells us to pluck out our right eye if it causes us to sin does he really mean we are to do that?

Not only does he say to pluck out our eye but also cut off our hand if that causes us to sin. (Matthew 5:29-30)

What I believe Jesus is saying is not to be taken literally but rather figuratively. One of the hardest sins I have to control is looking at women with lust in my mind. God doesn’t want us not to look if we are only admiring her beauty but if we look with lust then this is a sin. As Jesus says earlier this is the same as committing adultery.

Then what does he mean about “plucking out your eye”? He means “Don’t Look”. If you can’t stop having lustful thoughts then don’t even look. One thing I have done is when I start to think about things I shouldn’t I say a quick prayer. Something like “Have mercy on me a sinner”.

It’s a simple thing but if it helps me get to heaven then it’s worth it.

¶ If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.† And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

The Holy Bible. 2006. Revised Standard Version; Second Catholic Edition. San Francisco: Ignatius Press.