“Go first and be reconciled with your brother.”
Matthew 5:24
Reflection
Jesus tells his disciples that unless their righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and scribes, they will not enter the kingdom of heaven. They must settle with an enemy before going to court, and reconcile with brother as well.
When we have an argument with someone, do we hold a grudge against them, refusing to forgive, or do we take measures to quickly reconcile with them? Jesus advises us to reconcile, for if not, it could have eternal consequences for us.
It can be difficult to forgive someone, especially if they have grievously wronged you. Yet our Lord asks us to have compassion and mercy, bestowing forgiveness on others. Jesus himself forgave those who put him to death. How can you become more Christlike in this aspect of forgiveness?
Saint of the Day
St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows: 1838 – 1862
| “I will never excuse myself when I am blamed or corrected, nor even resent it interiorly, much less put the blame upon others.” St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows |
The Healing Word 