Near occasion

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022725.cfm

As we stand one week from the start of the season of Lent, it seems so appropriate for us to consider what leads us to sin. Jesus talks about a number of things today in the Gospel that are not sinful yet speaks of us 'cutting ourselves off from them'.

I love playing softball. At times perhaps too much. When I was a younger, angrier man, I did not handle losing or performing poorly very well. I also often enjoyed the 'post-game festivities' more than I should have. While there is nothing sinful about softball, it drew me into a number of things that were. In the Gospel, Jesus is not saying that feet or hands or eyes are sinful, but that they can lead us to sinful things.

His example is extreme, but His point is not actually an exaggerated one: There is nothing that is more important than getting to heaven, even if we have to limp in on one leg. The thought exercise that Jesus leads us on is an important one. Are there things, activities, groups of people, etc. that frequently accompany our sins, especially the habitual ones. Should we cut ourselves off from these things? Maybe we have to just for a time, so that we can fully consider how we can remain intentional about our actions, even when the surroundings tempt us to act in another way. This is a great exercise for Lent.

Lent is a time to consider the barriers that keep us from our best relationship with Jesus, which are EXACTLY the things that will keep us from Heaven. You see, we will not get into heaven because of our good behavior or our many deeds. We will get in if Jesus recognizes us. Not the physical us, but our souls. He comes to know our souls through prayer, through our heartfelt participation in the Sacraments, and through the intentional acts that draw us closer to Him (during Lent and beyond).

It is a common phrase used in the Sacrament of Reconciliation that we intend to avoid the near occasion of sin. Let's also embrace the near occasion of Jesus. In prayer, reconciliation, adoration, and in service to one another and the 'least of His brothers'.