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True Righteousness


Gospel
Matthew 5:20-26
Anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.
    ‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother “Fool” he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him “Renegade” he will answer for it in hell fire. So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.’

Reflection:

In this passage, Jesus emphasizes that true righteousness goes beyond outward actions and includes the condition of our hearts. He warns us that anger and contempt towards others are serious matters, comparable to the sin of murder in God's eyes. Jesus calls us to reconcile with our brothers and sisters before offering our gifts to God, reminding us that our relationships with others are deeply connected to our relationship with Him. Genuine worship involves not just rituals, but also the love and peace we nurture in our hearts and with those around us.

Question for Reflection:

How can I actively work to reconcile with someone I am angry with, so that my relationship with God and others is truly rooted in love and peace?

Short Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you teach us that anger and contempt can harm our souls and our relationships. Help me to examine my heart and to seek reconciliation with those I may hold resentment against. Fill me with your love and humility, so that I may be a peacemaker and reflect your grace in my actions. May my worship be genuine, rooted in genuine love and reconciliation. Amen.

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