Gospel – Matthew 5:20-26
For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.”
But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.
Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
The Gospel of the Lord
The Mass intention is for Kathleen O’Brien, RIP
Reflection:
Pope Francis constantly talks about a merciful heart. To forgive is to recognise the hurt or harm done, and to try let the hurt go, or at least want to let it go. How seriously Jesus takes the ‘new commandment’ to love one another and even puts being ‘reconciled with the other’ before ‘sacrifice’ or worship.
It is very healing to be able to recognise the many ways in which I have been forgiven. How challenging the Gospel is! I am called not only to do love but to think love! Can I invite Jesus into my heart to create that sort of loving, respectful heart for me? The Spirit is calling me to be changed, to become a more loving, kinder, more merciful and more just a person? To be transformed?
- Do I notice the difference in me when I am loving and when I am unloving? Talk to Jesus about this?
