First be Reconciled

Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua

~~~ 2 Corinthians 3:15—4:1, 3-6 ~~~ Psalm 85 ~~~ Matthew 5:20-26 ~~~

 

You cannot come to the table of the Lord and harbor

anger and hatred in your heart.

The action of walking up with your gift

 does not blot out ill will towards your neighbor.

 

Jesus went to the cross without carrying the added burden

of anger, bitterness, and hatred.

He always teaches us through his own actions and attitudes.

He always gives us access to sufficient grace to put aside

our differences with another.

We have grace available, but we may not draw from

 it when we most need it.

We can become blinded by our emotions.

 

Jesus tells us, no matter how great our gift may be for the Lord

if we are not reconciled with our neighbor

we are wasting our time.

 

 

'...leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.'

 

If you carry ill feelings in your heart

eventually you will become a bitter person.

I have had experience with a bitter person; gradually they lose sight

of how to really love. It is sad to see.
 

Jesus does not want us to hold things in our heart that will act as barriers

 to loving like he taught us to love...

like he wants us to love.

Do not let evil blind your eyes to the light of the glory of God.
 

 Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.

 

 These are not just empty words...these are words of wisdom.
If you are to be reconciled with you neighbor
it will take kindness, truth, justice, and peace.

But above all it will take humility and love.
I pray that I am up to this task of being reconciled when required.
I pray for those I find difficult to love.