ACC ~ Mark 9 v43

LITERALLY CUT OFF?

CLEMENTINA [1] : Let none of you think, brothers, that the Lord is here commending the cutting off of members. His meaning is that the incentive should be cut off, not the members. The causes which allure to sin are to be cut off, in order that our thought, borne up on the chariot of sight, may push toward the love of God, supported by the bodily senses. So do not give loose reins to the eyes of the flesh as if you were wanton horses, eager to turn their running away from the commandments. Subject the bodily sight to the judgment of the mind. Do not permit these eyes of ours, which God intended to be viewers and witnesses of his work, to become procurers of evil desire. [2] RECOGNITIONS OF CLEMENT 7.1.37. [3]

[1] The Clementina is a collection of writings erroneously ascribed to Clement of Rome.

[2] Cf. Mt 6:23.

[3] GCS 15:215; ANF 8:165*. To follow the command literally would be to deny it.