Matthew 5: 20-26
Jesus said to his disciples:
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Jesus Provides a Path
Jesus tells us that he is the way. What does that mean? Jesus provides us not only with a destination but with a pathway, a trajectory upon which to set our lives.
In today’s Gospel, he gives us another example. Killing is bad—this we know! But Jesus calls us to deeper reflection. When does anger at our neighbor cause division, contempt or dismissal? Where in our hearts do we allow an unbridled anger to fester? Jesus knows that such feelings are not equivalent with the killing of another. But he also knows that left unchecked, such feelings can lead us down a dark path. So, be aware—and reset your life’s trajectory!
This is the constant work of the spiritual life: We check in with ourselves, with the Spirit at work within us, so as to make intentional decisions, careful next steps, always aware of how our action and inaction can affect others. After all, we are called to live in community; we go to God together!
—Eric Clayton is the author of Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness, My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars and more.
Prayer
Loving Father,
Open our hearts to hidden realities:
your love for all people,
your presence in the community,
your call to justice and peace.
May the sacraments stir in us
that same love for those with whom we worship
and all members of our human family.
Christ Jesus,
Help us to imitate your example:
healing the sick,
welcoming the stranger,
assisting the poor and vulnerable.
May the sacraments remind us
of your love and self-giving,
which we strive to imitate.
Holy Spirit,
Make visible to our eyes what is invisible:
your call to your people,
your summons to live our faith daily
as witnesses of justice and peace.
May the sacraments move us
to engage in love-inspired action
that transforms us and the world.
Amen
—Prayer to Live the Gospel, Be Disciples published on usccb.org
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