From the Gospel according to Matthew 5:20–26

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you,
unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,
will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
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.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

Divine Justice

How often we think we have nothing to confess — or that we are always confessing “the same things”. We may even begin to see ourselves as righteous because we are close to God, or drawing closer to Him. But we must look within our hearts: do I hold something against my brother, my sister, my spouse, my child, or against a couple in our group or community? Do I consider myself better than they are — not merely judging them, but condemning them in my heart?

Be careful. The Lord tells us that whoever allows anger to take root against a brother will be answerable for it, and that we should not approach the altar if we have not first been reconciled.

Lord, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation. Amen.

Brought into Married Life

Matthew: Patricia, my mother rang. We’re invited to a family lunch at my sister Joanna’s on Sunday.

Patricia: Again? But we were with them just last weekend…

Matthew: It seems one of the twins has finished his final degree project with top marks, and they want to celebrate.

Patricia: Oh dear… I can already imagine how smug they’ll be. I know she’s your sister, but she can be rather unbearable. I honestly don’t think Michael should come.

Matthew: What? Not go to his cousin’s celebration? They’re very fond of each other…

Patricia: I know, but I can already picture your mother and your sister asking him how much longer he’s got at university… and you know that, although he studies hard, he’s finding it difficult to pass his exams.

Matthew: Patricia, I think we need to bring this to prayer. It may be that your perspective is a little clouded.

Patricia: What? … Oh dear, you’re absolutely right. How I’ve allowed myself to be carried away by temptation! I’ll go to Confession tomorrow. Thank you, my fitting help — come here and give me a kiss.

Matthew: Thank you for receiving that fraternal correction with such love. I love you very much.

Mother,

Help us to purify our vision. May we remember that our most important examination will be on love.

Blessed and praised be your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.