Be Reconciled

‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; 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. Matthew 5:21-26

We find ourselves in a time of litigation and judgement. It must have been that way in the time of Jesus as well. When we get hurt, we want to be paid and when we have hurt someone we don't want to pay for the hurt. And yet, Jesus tells his disciples that we should be reconciled, by reaching out first, forgiving first, and asking for forgiveness first. We are liable for our behavior, says Jesus, and the reality is when we fester with hate, hurt and jealousy, we punish ourselves and no one else. Today, as then, we are invited to drop what we are doing and seek reconciliation.

Gracious Creator, you are ready always to forgive

you look over your beautiful creation and weep

for the damage and pain, we have caused one another.

We want to be compensated for the hurts suffered

yet we continue to hurt others and refuse to forgive

and you call us to mend the broken hoops of our lives.

Lord Jesus, turn us around again so we might love

and in loving, ask for and offer forgiveness to all

so your love might take hold in our trembling hearts again. Amen.