GOSPEL POWER | JUNE 10, 2021 - THURSDAY | 10th Week in Ordinary Time

 Gospel: Mt 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.”

Reflection

Jesus is not changing the law but is helping us to  understand the inner dynamics that lead to the acts  which the law prohibits. At the root of a murderous act is  the mechanism of anger that accumulates toxic energy in the heart.  What Jesus recommends is a way of reversing the accumulation of  toxic energy through initiatives that will neutralize the anger. Thus,  he exhorts: Go and be reconciled! Settle the dispute before it gets out of  hand! What Jesus envisions is not merely compliance with the letter  of the law, but transformation of the heart that can happen only when  one is in touch with the Spirit that animates the law.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, bring down our pride that can prevent us from taking the  initiative to neutralize our anger by making the first move to be reconciled.  Amen