Go first and be reconciled with your brother

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Readings: 1 Kgs 18:41-46; Ps 65:10, 11, 12-13; Mt 5:20-26

Notes

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. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

Summary

The most startling part of today’s gospel portion is the way in which Jesus describes conflict and our role in it.

1. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. This seems generous enough to be considerate and kind to those you disagree with and give them the opportunity to atone prior to court. That is to avoid a formal and absolute conflict in court.
2. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge. Here the tone changes. YOU are the one being handed over to the Judge.
   2.a. The judge will hand you over to the guard.
   2.b. You will be thrown into prison.
   2.c. You will not be released until you have paid the last penny.

I don’t know about you but I don’t know many people who go to court expecting to be sent to prison (certain political luminaries excepted).

Reflection

The gospel portion today is a reminder we are in fact all sinners in need for redemption. As much as we have gripes about others, so to, they about us. Jesus places reconciliation at a higher priority in sequence than placing gifts before the Lord, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Personal Reflection

I hope to avoid judgment by judging well my circumstance, working for peace and seeing the Other as equal in rights and dignity.

First Reading

“Climb up and look out to sea,” he directed his servant” to see the gather clouds of rain and justice.

Responsorial

It is right to praise you in Zion, O God.

Gospel Acclamation

I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.

Gospel

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.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry