“Whoever causes one of these little ones…to sin…
it would be better…if…he were thrown into the sea”

After speaking to John and the other disciples about confronting strangers, Jesus uses strong language to discuss the responsibilities and duties toward “the little ones”.
 
What does Jesus say that makes it “strong language”? When Jesus says it is better for someone to attach a boulder to his neck, and then throw himself into the sea to drown rather than create scandal, that should raise a few eyebrows. “We should not pass lightly over these words, but should ponder them deeply and monitor our own behavior so that neither our words nor our attitudes will trouble the faith of the little ones or of the good People of God.” [1]
 
What does he mean by “little ones”? Jesus is talking about children.
 
Why would it be a scandal to lead a child to sin?  The scandal caused toward a “little one”  is  heinous because they have no way of defending themselves from the evil that is being committed against them.
 
What exactly is a scandal?  “Scandal is anything said, done, or omitted which leads another to commit sin”. [2] Since sin is the greatest of all evils, it is easy to understand why scandal is so serious and, therefore, why Christ condemns it so profoundly. Causing scandal to children is especially serious, because they are so less able to defend themselves against evil. “What Christ says applies to everyone, but especially to parents and teachers, who are responsible before God for the souls of the youth.” [3]
 
Who else has a great amount of influence on the young? Other examples include entertainers, athletes, and celebrities. While they are accountable for the young because of their influence on them, there are unfortunately so many from this group that cause scandal. We must pray for them to realize their great influence and to use it to promote truth and virtue, rather than sin.
 
What are some examples of scandal in our time, especially scandal towards young children?
 
What are the ways we can be an accessory to another’s sin? Many times we believe that as long as we don’t “personally” sin then we are not responsible. This is not true, however—we don’t want to make the same mistake that Cain made in saying to God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” [4] We can be an accessory to another’s sin by poor counsel, command, consent, provocation, praise, concealment, partaking, silence, or even by defense of the sin committed. How can I be an accessory to sin by poor counsel or command? Give examples of each.
 
When Jesus said “ if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off” and “if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out”, does He really mean it? No. What the Church Fathers have expressed in terms of this passage is to be ready to figuratively “cut off” any thing or person who leads us into sin. If someone is trying to entice us to sin using our eyes, hands, or feet we should try to distance ourselves at all costs or cut ourselves off completely so that we may not follow their way of life, which is the way to hell. [5]
 
Jesus is giving a basis for Christian moral teaching when dealing with the “occasion of sin”. “He is very explicit: a person is obliged to avoid proximate occasions of sin, just as he is obliged to avoid sin itself; as God already put in the Old Testament: ‘Whoever lives in danger will perish by it’ (Sir. 3:26-27). The eternal good of our soul is more important than any temporal good. Therefore, anything that places us in proximate danger of committing sin should be cut off and thrown away. By putting things in this way our Lord makes sure we recognize the seriousness of this obligation.” [6] When we make an act of Contrition during Reconciliation we will strive to “avoid whatever leads me to sin”.
 
Can you give an example of a relationship or activity that you have had to “cut off” because it was leading to sin?
 
What sins can be caused by our hands?  What sins can be caused by our feet? What sins can be caused by our eyes? To be able to answer these questions we should do an examination of conscience at the end of the day, and especially before we go to confession.
 
ACTIVITY – Examination of Conscience
Download the link “Examination of Conscience” and go through the examination with the group or individually. If with a group, it is recommended to have one person read through it all slowly and prayerfully. Have the group spread out and go over it by themselves. You may want to have them write their sins down while it is being read. It is also helpful to have reflective music related to penance or forgiveness playing in the background. If possible, have a priest available during and after the examination so the group can go to Confession.

[1] Gabriel, Divine Intimacy Vol. IV, pg. 81
[2] St. Pius X, Catechism of Christian Doctrine, 417
[3] St. Mark’s Gospel Navaree Bible Commentary pg. 133
[4] Genesis 4:9
[5] cf. St. Augustine, De consensus Evangelistarum, IV, 16; St. John Chrysostom, Hom. On St. Matthew, 60
[6] St. Mark’s Gospel Navaree Bible Commentary pg. 134