Reconciliation

When I am out walking the hills with my family I become free. The world’s pressures and cares fall away and I become present to everything around me. It is as if God has taken his hand and wiped my mind clear of what does not matter. Most of my kids feel the same way, and when we are camping or hiking together we normally do not argue or become cross with each other.

When I am trudging through daily life it is different. When I am tired or care-worn it is easy to loose my patience with those around me. I become snappish and if I do not seek forgiveness with those around me, I begin to ruminate and spiral.

Jesus warns us of the necessity of seeking reconciliation with each other in today’s gospel (Mt 5:20-26). He says, “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgement. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement.” Because Jesus is God become man he knows the weakness of our hearts. He knows how difficult it is to seek forgiveness, yet he sternly encourages it.

“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.” We need to seek forgiveness, or forgive others or it begins to damage us from the inside out.

If I do not seek forgiveness, or forgive others for what they have done to me, my mind turns upon itself and I become obsessed with indignation. On a day full of good things going on I always remember the barb. I have to discipline myself to remember the gifts. I think this is the reason for Jesus’ urgency for reconciliation. He calls us to be whole, with our minds and hearts facing outward toward people in need. We have the freedom to do this when we make peace with our people.

Heavenly Father, give us the humility we need to seek reconciliation with one another. Give us the courage to help us forgive those who hurt us.

Amen