We are all human. Saying this means that we are all fallible. Jesus knows well that our nature is characterized by “falling,” but the harshness of today’s Gospel is not essentially directed at potential falls, but at that side effect that so often accompanies our wrong choices: being scandalous.
The word scandal means, in its most literal sense, “obstacle,” “stumbling block.” Sometimes our wrong choices are not only falls but impediments to the happiness of others. It is precisely because of us that the other person may find themselves facing a wall and unable to move forward, to resolve, to experience meaning.
The great theme of abuse is one such example: those who suffer violence, for example, often find themselves with a life that collides with wounds that prevent them from experiencing happiness, joy, and trust. We cannot dismiss such things simply as human failings, but must read them for what they are, “scandal.”
But even our bad words, lies, and prejudices can become “scandal” because it is perhaps precisely because of them that people remain imprisoned and ruined in their good name. There could be many different examples, but just think of the real consequences of some choices to realize how “scandal” can always be around the corner.
Jesus expresses it this way: “It is inevitable that scandals will arise, but woe to the one through whom they arise. It would be better for him to have a millstone tied around his neck and be thrown into the sea than to scandalize one of these little ones. Be careful of yourselves!” (Luke 17:1-3).
Fortunately, however, he also notes that we must always be willing to forgive others who sin, perhaps because the greatest scandal and the greatest obstacle we experience in our lives is precisely the lack of forgiveness. We often focus on what we do wrong, but we rarely consider the dangerous omission of mercy that ultimately holds everyone hostage, both those who have done wrong and those who have suffered the wrong.
