Gospel: Matthew 5: 27-32
Consider the cycle of clergy sexual escapades: clerics abuse other human beings. Then, they deny, lie, conceal, hide, and bribe in an attempt to keep these crimes hidden. But then they are laid bare, at which point the tactic is to blame a sexualized culture and the way in which people dress. Finally, legal settlements and court payouts are imposed, and statements of apology written by lawyers issue forth from chancery offices. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
In today's Gospel, however, Jesus lays the blame solely at the feet of those who commit lust. He does not blame people for what they do or do not wear. He does not blame the culture or sugar coat it in any way. The fault lies solely with the one who lusts. It is within each one of us to overcome temptations just as Jesus did. We cannot blame any outside influences. It is entirely our responsibility to live and act chastely or not.
Today is a day to reflect on our own integrity in this area. In what ways are we living in right relationship with other people or not? What habits can we cultivate that promote authentic human relationships that are built upon mutual respect and dignity? This is the call to which Jesus gives us today and each day. May we attend to our relationships with full respect for others, seeing in each person the image of God, another Christ, a temple of the Holy Spirit.
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