From the responsorial psalm: “I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word. My soul waits for the LORD more than sentinels wait for the dawn. Let Israel wait for the LORD. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 5:20-26, today’s readings)
“Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.”
Jesus teaches the disciples about internal righteousness over mere external compliance with the law, which the scribes and Pharisees especially sought. Because no one is capable of perfect righteousness, Jesus brings the law, particularly the sixth commandment, into focus as a way to point to our reliance on God as the source of our mercy. Jesus speaks in terms of gifts brought to the altar—a holy place—and that those gifts are to be brought to the altar only after the soul is purified in reconciliation once the soul is set free to give. While reconciliation is ordinarily possible, it may for a time or season not be an option. Forgiveness is key, but it doesn’t mean being caught in a cycle that does harm to relationships. While we are all called to forgive, reconciliation needs to be done in a way that expresses mutual compassion for one another and a desire for healing.
God, teach me from your being, which is love and mercy itself, to be merciful and forgiving. Show me how to respond in relationships where forgiveness is necessary and life-giving but reconciliation is for a time, out of reach. Help me recognize that you have the answers and I do not. You alone are merciful as the giver of all good gifts. Give me the grace to recognize when reconciliation is not possible but also when it is, and to act on it while guarding dignity and well-being. Guide me, Lord, in the way of wisdom and discernment in receiving the gift of your mercy to give that gift to others in need of it. Jesus, I trust in you!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.