GO FIRST, AND BE RECONCILED WITH YOUR BROTHER

March 18, 2011

 

D A I L Y G O S P E L

 

Jesus reminds us that surface conversion (making our lives look good from the outside) is not enough to attain eternal life. The Gospel has to penetrate the depths of our lives so that we will be transformed into the image and likeness of God. This is our destiny; this is what life in heaven consists of. Let us be faithful in continuing the work God has begun in us so that we will be found worthy (by the grace of God) on Judgment Day.

 

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the Lord, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.

 

Matthew 5:20-26

20 Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 21 “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.’ 22 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. 23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.