Once again we are reminded that we have a higher calling as Christians. We lose our Heavenly inheritance if we choose not to forgive, and not to love inspite of the hurts inflicted upon us. For in today’s Gospel our Lord does not mention those who are angry with us, but those whom we are angry with. The higher calling for us is that we are the ones to approach those who have angered us; and for us to seek reconciliation with them.
Then we shall return to remain in full communion with our One triune God, and He shall speak His wisdom and knowledge deep into our hearts. As we go out empowered with the supernatural gifts to minister to our brethren.
Grant me the eloquence of Your great Saint Anthony so that I may speak to the hearts of Your people. Amen
Saint Antony of Padua, Pray for us…
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First reading
1 Kings 18:41-46
‘A cloud no bigger than a man’s hand’
Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go back, eat and drink; for I hear the sound of rain.’ While Ahab went back to eat and drink, Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel and bowed down to the earth, putting his face between his knees. ‘Now go up,’ he told his servant ‘and look out to the sea.’ He went up and looked. ‘There is nothing at all’ he said. ‘Go back seven times’ Elijah said. The seventh time, the servant said, ‘Now there is a cloud, small as a man’s hand, rising from the sea.’ Elijah said, ‘Go and say to Ahab, “Harness the chariot and go down before the rain stops you.”’ And with that the sky grew dark with cloud and storm, and rain fell in torrents. Ahab mounted his chariot and made for Jezreel. The hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and tucking up his cloak he ran in front of Ahab as far as the outskirts of Jezreel.
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Gospel
Matthew 5:20-26
Anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.
‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother “Fool” he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him “Renegade” he will answer for it in hell fire. So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.’
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