Literally speaking

In the Protestant world, there is a lot of discussion about the real meaning of Jesus' words in Matthew about cutting off the hand or gouging out the eye.  There is lots of debate about taking this literally or metaphorically.  But they are really missing the point.  Ask yourself the simple question: would you cut off or gouge out anything to gain eternal life?  Or better yet, would you give up the Lexus or the mansion or any level of comfort in order to love neighbor?
It could even be stated as simply as, "Are we willing to follow the church's instruction by fasting, going to confession and attending liturgy?"  These tools are really about doing what we ought in order to sanctify ourselves.