13 June, 2024 | Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church

 Reading1: 1 Kgs 18:41-46

 Gospel Mt 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 with him.

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."

Reflection:

 In today’s Gospel, Jesus explains the importance of being aware of the seeds of conflict in and around us, even before fighting its fruits.

He says even before you call someone a fool, or violent speech, check the anger that is brewing inside that causes such an outburst or sinful action.  When thoughts or whispers of such negative emotions strike us, he says, leave all else and first reconcile to the truth of such feelings.  Correct before it leads to hurtful action.  Settle with your opponent on the way to court instead of having to fight him before the judge.

Here, Jesus is not speaking of forgiveness but of reconciliation.  Forgiveness is for an act or crime committed while timely reconciliation can prevent the worst from happening.

 

Activity: 

Become partners of reconciliation especially with those suffering with long-term trauma or anxiety and help them untie difficult knots in their situation, holding onto God’s Hand for wisdom and guidance, through prayerful soul-searching.

Reflections by Parimala Selvaraj (Pauline Cooperator, Bengaluru)

Voice: Sharlene Fernandes