Make peace with with your brother

June 11

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

Jesus deepens the commandment beyond outward action to the heart. Anger and contempt toward others are not minor emotions to ignore; they reveal a breach in love that breaks community and worship. True righteousness calls us to reconciliation before we offer anything to God. The path to the altar is readiness to seek peace with our brother or sister, choosing mercy over judgment, and choosing to mend relationships while there is still time.

Question for reflection

In what areas of my life might I harbor anger or judgment toward someone, and how can I take steps today to pursue reconciliation and love?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, open my heart to the ways anger and contempt distort my relationships and my worship. Help me to seek reconciliation quickly, to forgive as I have been forgiven, and to offer love that mirrors your grace. Guide my words and actions toward peace, and grant me courage to make amends with those I have wronged. May my offering be areflection of a reconciled heart, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Comments

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