May the Lord give you peace, health, and happiness in the Holy Spirit.
It is 09th June 2022. We reflect on 1 Kings 18:41-46 and Matthew 5:20-26.
As the prophet Elijah attempted to reconcile the people of Israel with God by restoring their faith and removing their false, fake, and formal worship, we are invited today to reconcile with one another before we interact with God.
There are two streams of thoughts that emerge for our reflection. One is how far God could go in testing our patience in offering God’s blessings and the urgency to be reconciled with one another before we want to please God with our sacrifices and offerings.
Jesus points out that our attitudes matter more than our fake and form ways of worship. We may not be murdering people with something but even holding some destructive feelings against any brother or sister in our heart is equal to that.
“For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20). “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother/sister will be liable to judgment. So, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother/sister, and then come and offer your gift. For I tell you unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 5:22,23,20).
Postponing reconciliation is the self-inflicted punishment we give ourselves that delays God’s abundant blessings and protection.
Sins, evil intentions, and unreconciling attitudes delay or even deny our blessings in time.
Yes, it is not easy to apologize, profit by mistakes, begin over, forgive and forget,, think and act, take advice, keep out of a rut, admit error, make the best of little,, shoulder a deserved blame, keep trying, recognize the silver lining, be charitable, be considerate, be unselfish, avoid mistakes, and endure success BUT IT ALWAYS PAYS.
May we pray for the virtue of patience in obtaining God’s blessing and a heart that goes out to someone who has something against us. God bless you.