First week of Lent: Friday
Reading: (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 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 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.
Reflection
In this passage, Jesus reminds us that we have been called into a deep personal relationship with him and need to live our lives according to God’s law of love. The Jewish people had been brought out of slavery in Egypt. They received God’s Ten Commandments from Moses on Mount Sinai and were asked to live in a new way that gave glory to God. (Exodus 20:1-17). The Pharisees did not uphold the spirit of the commandments and lay heavy burdens on the lives of the people. (Matthew 23:24) Jesus challenges us not to live in this way but in his way of love. He reminds us that murder in any form is contrary to God’s law and homicide is not necessary to destroy the life of another. The spirit of the person may be killed through slander, gossip, unjust working conditions, poor housing, physical, sexual or emotional abuse or anything that diminishes the life or spirit of the person.
Much has been offered to us in trust and paid for at a great price. During my Thirty Day Ignatian Retreat I was deeply aware of the innocence of Jesus when He was nailed to the cross for the salvation of the world. He had done nothing wrong and his life was poured out as a libation for my freedom and the freedom of all. This reminded me of my ongoing need to live in right relationship with God and others. During this time of Lent, Jesus asks us to reflect on my personal relationships with others and reminds me of my need to put them in order according to God’s law of love. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) if I am aware that another has something against me I have a duty to seek them out and resolve it so that we can both be set free and at peace. ‘Bear with one another and if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.’ (Colossians 3:13) On occasion, I too may need to ask forgiveness of another person. This is not always easy to do but in humility and prayer it is possible. If my offence has been a major one, a period of fasting and deeper prayer will show me how to approach the person or people whom I have hurt and ask for their forgiveness. A spiritual guide or confessor can help me to face my own weakness and may offer suggestions on how I can grow in my relationship with God and others. Sometimes the issues that I may need to face may seem insignificant to me, I may have a habit of ignoring others or looking down on the poor. I may have strong prejudice against nations or may be homophobic or judgemental of people whom I feel are sinners. This blinds me to my own sin and God asks me to ‘take the plank out of my own eye so that I can see clearly again.’(Matthew 7:3-29). I am asked to be responsible stewards for the graces bestowed upon me and ‘From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required.’ (Luke 12:42-48) This is a challenge but like St. Paul I ask for the grace that I need to be reconciled to God and another.
‘I can do all things through him who strengthens me.’ (Philippians 4:13)
What practical actions does your local community need to take to break down prejudice between peoples and nations.
Do you welcome the stranger and really make them feel welcome. Do you help people to find affordable accommodation and suitable employment or are they left on the margins to find their own way. “You must not oppress the stranger; you know how a stranger feels, for you lived as strangers in the land of Egypt.’ (Exodus 23:9)
Prayer
Fill me Lord with the grace that I need to be honest with myself and others; may I know your truth that sets us all free.Grace me with a spirit of forgiveness that anyone whom I hold in bondage may be set free;May we rejoice together as we enter your Kingdom of heaven may we lean on your power to show us the way. Amen.
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