He is not saying this about human limbs (cutting them off). Far from it. This is said about friends, about relatives, whom we regard in the rank of necessary limbs. Jesus also said this earlier, and now he says it again. For nothing is so harmful as bad company.—St. John Chrysostom on St. Matthew 18:8
That's an interesting interpretation. Instead of saying "Jesus is exaggerating" (which usually leads to dismissing his point entirely, in practice), Chrysostom goes with "What things are you less attached to, that lead you astray?" Edifying and applicable. Thank you for posting!
ReplyDeleteTake care & God bless
Anne / WF