Reconciliation

Matthew 5:22

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.

On this Lenten morning, scripture reminds us that God compels us to participate in healthy, whole relationships. Even as we approach God with an offering we are instructed that peace between people must take precedence.

It is clear that loving one another (even the "other" who is unhappy with us or who has anything at all against us) is an offering of the hardened heart...the prideful ego. I wonder if I even know how many people have grievances against me (or the type of attitudes or values I represent)? I can't be reconciled to the people who are unhappy with me without a deep humility...a lack of concern for my own esteem. I can't muster up that much humility on my own. Jesus leads me to it...

Reconciliation ... it is a gift bestowed by God, through the sacrificial love of Christ which leads us away from self interest.

Pray for clarity about where and to whom you might be reconciled.....