Matthew 5: 20-26
Beyond the Minimum
20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Anger
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
Our dealings with one another often lead to misunderstandings, awkward and sometimes painful but needless coldness or separation. In strong and direct language, Jesus is saying to us "Don't be doing that." We are meant to live in harmony with one another, hence the frequent teachings on loving each other, :Love one another as I have loved you."(Jn: 13:34) Lent is a good time to repair fractured relationships through forgiveness and reconciliation. Jesus minces no words; we cannot offer our gifts to the Father unless we are at peace with our neighbor. What do I need to do to begin?
Bro. Rene
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