Daily Reflection: Friday, March 11
Friday of the First Week of Lent
… 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. (Mt 5:23-24)
It seems logical that if I have a gripe against my brother, I should go forgive him. Then I can peacefully offer my gift. But the case presented by Jesus says that my brother has a grievance with me. I need to go to him so he may forgive me and then, reconciled, he and I both may be able to make our offerings. I should have concern for my brother’s spiritual welfare as much as my own. More broadly, there should be peace and reconciliation within the people of God when they worship.
John Frambes, ofm