Today we have the chance to hear from the gospel of Luke about Jesus’ teaching on sin. However, today’s gospel is unique in that it does not focus so much on our own condition, but about our relationship with others in regards to sin. The temptation to sin within us is something that will always be a part of this world, and it would be impossible to try and eliminate that temptation. But there is some temptation that we can (and should) strive to eliminate: the temptation that we can bring to others. It is one thing to succumb to temptation ourselves, but is another much graver case altogether to encourage another to sin. Jesus stresses this with the analogy of the millstone. He is saying that it is better to die than cause another to sin! This should clearly be something of great importance in our lives. We must be on guard against this trap, especially weighing our actions when we are around others. Jesus says “these little ones” in the passage, which is perfect to illustrate his point. I know all too well that little children are always eager to mimic the actions of those around them, if they see you doing something, they assume it is acceptable and try to do (or say) the same. It becomes more subtle with age, but the same still applies.

Even more than avoiding the error of leading others to sin we are also commanded to rebuke another who has sinned. Not for our own benefit, as a means to illicit an apology from the other, but simply as a act of love and concern for the other person and thus their relationship with God. The underlying message in both of these examples is the responsibility that we have to one another. Certainly we are called to avoid sin and to repent in our own sins, but here Jesus is expanding on that idea. We are not living in this world alone, but are living as brothers and sisters with one another. Like any good community, we must be committed to the other members of the group, looking out for their own well being in addition to our own.