MATTHEW 5:27–32, BE HOLY
PURITY OF HEART AND THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE
Introduction
In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus deepens the understanding of holiness by moving beyond external observance to interior purity. He addresses two sensitive and deeply human realities—lust and divorce—not to condemn, but to heal. Jesus reveals that sin does not begin with action alone but with the deliberate nurturing of disordered desire in the heart. Using strong figurative language, He calls His disciples to radical self-discipline and sincere conversion. At the same time, He restores marriage to its original dignity and permanence, safeguarding family life and the spiritual wellbeing of society.
Bible Passage (Matthew 5:27–32)
You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you, whoever looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.
It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.” But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife—unless the marriage is unlawful—causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Background
This teaching follows Jesus’ clarification that He came to fulfill the Law and His warning about anger leading to judgment. Having addressed violence of the heart, Jesus now turns to impurity of the heart. In the Old Testament, adultery was treated as a grave violation of the covenant and punishable by death. Jesus does not impose earthly punishment; instead, He reveals the eternal seriousness of lust and marital unfaithfulness. He also addresses the misuse of divorce laws that had reduced marriage to a disposable contract, contrary to God’s original plan.
Opening Life Connection
In everyday life, people often excuse interior thoughts while condemning only visible actions. Society normalizes lust through media, entertainment, and digital culture, while divorce is frequently presented as a quick solution to marital strain. Jesus challenges this mindset. He reminds us that the heart is the birthplace of both holiness and sin, and that lasting peace in families and society depends on purity, fidelity, and self-control.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’”
Jesus refers to the commandment as it was commonly taught by religious authorities, often limited to the physical act alone.
“But I say to you…”
Jesus speaks with divine authority, revealing the deeper moral demand behind the commandment.
“Whoever looks at a woman with lust…”
This is not a casual glance but a deliberate, sustained gaze that nurtures desire and objectifies the other person.
“Has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
God judges not only actions but intentions. Interior consent to lust already breaks the covenantal meaning of love.
“If your right eye causes you to sin…”
Jesus uses powerful imagery to stress the seriousness of removing occasions of sin. The eye represents what draws desire into the heart.
“Tear it out and throw it away.”
This is not a literal command but a call to radical discipline—cutting off influences that lead to sin.
“If your right hand causes you to sin…”
The hand symbolizes action, power, and control. Anything misused for sin must be renounced.
“It is better for you to lose one of your members…”
Temporary sacrifice is worth eternal salvation. Spiritual life takes priority over bodily pleasure.
“Whoever divorces his wife…”
Jesus addresses a law that had been misused to justify easy separation.
“Unless the marriage is unlawful…”
Jesus affirms the indissolubility of valid marriage while recognizing situations where a true marital bond never existed.
“Commits adultery.”
Jesus restores marriage to its sacred and permanent nature, protecting spouses and children from injustice.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Adultery was considered a serious covenantal violation in Israel, often compared to idolatry. Divorce laws in Deuteronomy were meant to limit injustice, especially toward women, but were later abused. Two rabbinical schools differed widely on permissible reasons for divorce. Jesus rejects both extremes and returns marriage to God’s original design of lifelong unity.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church teaches that adultery and lust violate the dignity of the human person and the sanctity of marriage (CCC 2380). Jesus condemns even interior consent to lust, calling His followers to purity of heart. Marriage, when validly contracted, is indissoluble. Divorce does not dissolve a sacramental bond, and remarriage after divorce constitutes adultery unless the marriage is declared null by the Church.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Augustine confessed that his struggle with lust nearly destroyed his soul until he surrendered fully to Christ. Through grace and discipline, he became a powerful witness to purity of heart. His life shows that conversion is possible even after deep moral failure.
Application to Christian Life Today
Christians are called to guard their senses, discipline their desires, and choose healthy influences. This includes careful use of media, wise friendships, and avoidance of addictions. Married couples are called to resolve conflicts with patience and faith, seeking help when necessary, rather than turning to separation. Holiness begins with daily choices made in the heart.
Eucharistic Connection
The Eucharist strengthens us to live the purity and fidelity Jesus demands. Receiving Christ’s Body calls us to honor our own bodies and relationships as temples of the Holy Spirit. Nourished by the Eucharist, we receive grace to resist temptation and to remain faithful in our commitments.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Holiness begins in the heart, not merely in external behavior.
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Lust, when nurtured, leads to grave sin and spiritual destruction.
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Remove occasions of sin with courage and discipline.
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Marriage is sacred, permanent, and not disposable.
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Self-control and fidelity are possible through God’s grace.
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Families need prayer, sacrifice, and commitment to remain united.
Outline for Preachers (Printable – Bullet Form)
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Context within the Sermon on the Mount
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Life connection: lust, media influence, marital struggles
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Key phrases: “but I say to you,” “adultery in the heart,” “cut it off”
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Jewish understanding of adultery and divorce
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Catholic teaching on purity and marriage
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Saint Augustine as a witness to conversion
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Practical steps for purity and marital fidelity
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Eucharist as strength for self-control and faithfulness
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Call to holiness, discipline, and family unity
