Gospel, Matthew 5:20-26
‘For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven. ‘You have heard how it was said to our ancestors, You shall not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you, anyone who is angry with a brother will answer for it before the court; anyone who calls a brother “Fool” will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and anyone who calls him “Traitor” will answer for it in hell fire.
So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. In truth I tell you, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.
Mass Intention is for Ann Murphy RIP
Reflection
What do I do when my sister or brother has something against me? Perhaps I have hurt or rubbished them, made them feel small. What do I do? Perhaps I try to justify myself, but my conscience keeps niggling at me. Jesus is clear: he says to me, ‘Go and be reconciled’. Otherwise, he says, I am walking away from ‘the kingdom of heaven’. He means that because God is a totally forgiving God, those who want to be God’s friends must radiate a spirit of forgiveness too.
Lord, grant me the humility to ask forgiveness of anyone I upset.
God Bless you all Deacon Martyn
