Thursday 12 June 2025. Readings: 2 Corinthians 3:15-4:1.3-6, Psalm 85 and Matthew 5:20-26
“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.” (Matthew 5:23-24)
Today’s Gospel begins with Jesus exhorting us to practice righteousness beyond the average. This righteousness exceeds that of the hypocrites, a righteousness that is the same in public and secret. Jesus also warns that if our righteousness is not above average, we cannot enter the kingdom of God. If you must be a Christian, be the best you can be.
One of the elements of this extraordinary righteousness Jesus wants us to practice is radical forgiveness. The true worth of our Christian commitment is tested by our ability to forgive, let go and reconcile. Before you boast about your holiness, ask yourself: “Can I forgive?” I once asked a couple preparing for marriage if they could forgive each other, and they both looked at themselves and said: “Father, ask him/her, oh.” It’s amusing how we often expect others to forgive us constantly, yet we are not always ready to forgive.
Forgiveness is a complex topic. Today, Jesus wants us to know He is more pleased with our reconciliation with others than our offerings. Just as our gifts to God are expensive, forgiveness is also costly. Forgiving others can be painful if the person refuses to acknowledge their fault. However, this pain is worth it because it is pleasing to God and it purifies our hearts from unnecessary burdens.
While forgiveness is complex, the easier path to take (which is quite common) is hatred. However, as John says, we cannot claim to love God, whom we have not seen, if our hearts are full of contempt for our fellow brothers and sisters that we see daily. (1st John 3:20). To hate a person is to practice average righteousness, but to love and forgive is to practice a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees.
In today’s first reading, St. Paul describes the condition of unbelievers as a case of persons under a veil. Just as a blanket prevents one from seeing clearly, those who belong to the world cannot comprehend the Gospel. They cannot make sense of a topic like forgiveness. St. Paul says: “In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the grace to offer a sacrifice of forgiveness. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of week 10 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 3:15-4:1.3-6, Psalm 85 and Matthew 5:20-26)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu