The Gospel
Matt 5:20-26
Go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering.
St. Gaspar"Sometimes, even among the best people, certain misunderstandings arise, not for the heart but for the mind, thus allowing the most loveable God to remind us to acknowledge the profound abyss of our lowly status."[1]
"...since we are not permitted to go or remain without a companion." [2]
Reflection
God sees room for virtue in the worst sinner. If the sinner turns from evil to do what is right, none of the sin is remembered. Now God is asking us to see the same; to look at those who anger us and to find the same capacity for virtue and grace.
The ancients spoke of the difference between the feeling of anger, the judgmental or insulting remark, and the blind rage. We are not to repress the feeling, but certainly we are not to lash out in violence of word or action. We are to look to ourselves first to see where this passion originates. To St. Gaspar this leads to humility, the recognition that no one is perfect, and enables us to see grace in the offending one.
As we saw Monday, we cannot do the Christian Life alone, and our love for God must take tangible form in love for others. Now we see what to do when inevitable conflict arises. We look to ourselves first, and grow in humility and charity.
[1] from letter 927 to Fr. Luigi Moscatelli, July 22, 1824, Resources -8, pg. 14
[2] from letter 1015 to Msgr. Francesco Bonomo, December 20, 1824, Resources 8, pg. 5
Matt 5:20-26
Go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering.
St. Gaspar"Sometimes, even among the best people, certain misunderstandings arise, not for the heart but for the mind, thus allowing the most loveable God to remind us to acknowledge the profound abyss of our lowly status."[1]
"...since we are not permitted to go or remain without a companion." [2]
Reflection
God sees room for virtue in the worst sinner. If the sinner turns from evil to do what is right, none of the sin is remembered. Now God is asking us to see the same; to look at those who anger us and to find the same capacity for virtue and grace.
The ancients spoke of the difference between the feeling of anger, the judgmental or insulting remark, and the blind rage. We are not to repress the feeling, but certainly we are not to lash out in violence of word or action. We are to look to ourselves first to see where this passion originates. To St. Gaspar this leads to humility, the recognition that no one is perfect, and enables us to see grace in the offending one.
As we saw Monday, we cannot do the Christian Life alone, and our love for God must take tangible form in love for others. Now we see what to do when inevitable conflict arises. We look to ourselves first, and grow in humility and charity.
- With whom do I need to be more generous?
- What keeps me from forgiveness?
- What will enable me to find room for grace or virtue in another?
- What steps do I need to make in order to slow down my anger and judgment?
[1] from letter 927 to Fr. Luigi Moscatelli, July 22, 1824, Resources -8, pg. 14
[2] from letter 1015 to Msgr. Francesco Bonomo, December 20, 1824, Resources 8, pg. 5
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