Matthew 5:21-26
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:21-26 (NIV)
I am writing this for you on Memorial Day, a day that we set aside to honor those who have made the greatest sacrifice of all for our freedom. Not all of us are called to this mission but all of us benefit from those who are willing to give their lives for us. I want to begin by thanking all who are in any way a part of what has been the great gift of living in America.
Matthew's words in this reading remind me of a sermon that Pastor Greg once gave about murder. He said that most of us haven't murdered anyone and so we think we are off the hook with that commandment. Yup, checked that one off. Then he said but if we have spoken poorly of someone or gossiped about someone, we have murdered their soul and so we can't just check that off. It makes me stop and think. I have to be careful with my words as well as my actions.
Matthew wrote that we should first make amends to the person we are in conflict with before asking for God's forgiveness. That is sometimes a hard thing to do. Imagine a world where we would "settle out of court" with everyone who had done us harm or everyone we had harmed! Forgiveness, negotiating a settlement, accepting compromise, and letting go are difficult goals but not unattainable. It all begins with humbly approaching our adversary and extending a hand.
Questions for Reflection:
- Where can you begin to offer or accept forgiveness in your life? Think of one small step to take and commit to doing it.
- When you think of murdering someone's soul, what can you do to avoid gossip?
Prayer
Praise the Savior of the world who brings forgiveness to us when we have sinned. Help us to recognize our own failings and ask for forgiveness from those whom we have hurt. Help us to take that first step of reconciliation and bless our attempts at bringing peace to others. In your holy name we pray.
Login To Leave Comment