February 12, 2017: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“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.” (Matthew 5:21-24, excerpt from Sunday’s Gospel)

Reflection

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus doesn’t mince words: anger is not acceptable; name-calling isn’t either. What’s important? Reconciliation! (with my brother or sister or with anyone with whom I have a relationship that needs healing). It’s so important that Jesus suggests I forget worshipping God until I can be reconciled.

Action

Pray this week for the gift of reconciliation. Pray that God will give you the courage to make that first move toward healing a relationship.