"Leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly
while on the way to court with him.
(Matthew 5:24-25)
We should not just follow the law in a legalistic manner, but understand and live by the spirit of the law. Our actions should be guided by love, mercy, and justice, not just by the letter of the law. Reconciliation is important with our brothers and sisters. If we have a dispute or disagreement with someone, we should seek to resolve it as soon as possible. This is more important than religious rituals, indicating that our relationships with others are a vital part of our relationship with God. We should not harbor anger or resentment, but seek peace and reconciliation. We should acknowledge our wrongs, ask for forgiveness, and make amends. Even when we fall short, God is ready to forgive us if we repent. Our heart’s intentions and attitudes are just as important as our actions. Let us live a life of love, peace, and reconciliation, reflecting the Kingdom of God in our lives.
20 Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. 21 “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. 22 But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. 23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise, your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” (Matthew 5:20-26)
In the realm where law and spirit intertwine, we tread not just on the letter, but the divine. Guided by love, mercy, justice, our actions align, not by the law's cold print, but by a design so fine. Reconciliation, a virtue we must embrace, with our kin, our friends, in every place. Disputes and disagreements, we must efface, for in God's grand scheme, love takes the ace. More than rituals, more than rites, our bond with others ignites, a vital part of our spiritual flights, in the realm of God, where love unites. Anger, resentment, we must let go, seek peace, seek reconciliation, let forgiveness flow. Acknowledge our wrongs, in humility we bow, God's ready to forgive, this we know. Our actions matter, but so does our heart, intentions and attitudes, they're all a part. In the mirror of the soul, in every part, reflects the Kingdom of God, a divine art. So let us live, in love and peace, where anger and resentment cease. In reconciliation, let our efforts increase, reflecting the Kingdom of God, where joys never cease.
Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You today, acknowledging that we are called not just to follow the law in a legalistic manner, but to understand and live by the spirit of the law. Guide our actions with Your love, mercy, and justice, and help us to see beyond the letter of the law. We understand the importance of reconciliation with our brothers and sisters. If we have a dispute or disagreement with someone, grant us the wisdom and humility to seek resolution as soon as possible. Remind us that this is more important than religious rituals, and that our relationships with others are a vital part of our relationship with You. Help us not to harbor anger or resentment, but to seek peace and reconciliation. Give us the courage to acknowledge our wrongs, to ask for forgiveness, and to make amends. Even when we fall short, we are grateful that You are ready to forgive us if we repent. Teach us that our heart’s intentions and attitudes are just as important as our actions. Let us live a life of love, peace, and reconciliation, reflecting the Kingdom of God in our lives. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
The power of prayer can bring about change, even in seemingly impossible situations. We should have faith in God’s promises, even when our circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. Persistence in prayer is a lesson for us to continue in prayer until we see God’s promises fulfilled. God’s perfect timing. We may not understand His timing, but we can trust that He knows best. With God, all things are possible. Obedience is important in our walk with God.
41 Elijah then said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and drink, while Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, crouched down to the earth, and put his head between his knees. 43 “Climb up and look out to sea,” he directed his servant, who went up and looked, but reported, “There is nothing.” Seven times he said, “Go look again!” 44 And the seventh time the youth reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.” Elijah said, “Go and say to Ahab, ‘Harness up and leave the mountain before the rain stops you.’” 45 In a trice, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and a heavy rain fell. Ahab mounted his chariot and made for Jezreel. 46 But the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, who girded up his clothing and ran before Ahab as far as the approaches to Jezreel. (1 Kings 18:41-46)
In the realm where impossibilities reign, where troubles persist and hardships maintain, there lies a power, pure and serene, a force unseen, yet in heart it's keen. The power of prayer, so profound and deep, can stir the heavens from their sleep. It brings about change, in situations dire, lights the way, sets the world on fire. In God's promises, we anchor our trust, even when life seems unjust. His word stands firm, His love endures, in every trial, His promise assures. Persistence in prayer, a lesson we learn, to keep the faith, for His promise we yearn. Though answers may tarry, they will come in time, in His perfect rhythm, in His sublime rhyme. We may not fathom His divine timing, yet in every sunset, in every morning, we see His handiwork, His artistry unfold, in every tale of time, His story is told. With God, indeed, all things are possible, His love is vast, His grace is unstoppable. In obedience, we walk this journey long, in His presence, we find where we belong.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today acknowledging the power of prayer. We believe that it can bring about change, even in seemingly impossible situations. Help us to always turn to You in prayer, trusting in Your power and Your love. Lord, we choose to have faith in Your promises, even when our circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. Help us to hold onto Your word, knowing that You are faithful to fulfill what You have promised. Teach us the value of persistence in prayer. May we continue to pray until we see Your promises fulfilled. Give us the patience to wait upon You and the perseverance to keep praying. We acknowledge Your perfect timing, Lord. We may not always understand it, but we trust that You know best. Help us to trust in Your timing and to rest in Your sovereignty. We believe that with You, all things are possible. Strengthen our faith, Lord, and help us to trust in Your limitless power. Finally, Lord, we understand that obedience is important in our walk with You. Help us to obey Your commands and to live in a way that pleases You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
God provides for our needs. The recurring seasons and the bountiful harvests are a testament to God’s faithfulness. This reassures us of God’s constant presence and His faithfulness in all circumstances. We should trust in His provision and and always thank Him for His blessings. Let us express our joy and gratitude for God’s blessings by way of celebrating God’s goodness in sharing our joy with others and living in harmony with one another.
10 You have visited the land and watered it; greatly have you enriched it. God’s watercourses are filled; you have prepared the grain. 11 Thus have you prepared the land: drenching its furrows, breaking up its clods, softening it with showers, blessing its yield. 12 You have crowned the year with your bounty, and your paths overflow with a rich harvest; 13 the untilled meadows overflow with it, and rejoicing clothes the hills. (Psalm 65:10, 11, 12-13)
In the grandeur of the seasons, in the harvest's golden sheaves, we see the hand of God at work, in the rustling autumn leaves. His faithfulness is constant, through every changing scene, from the warmth of sunny summer, to winter's white serene. God provides for all our needs, His bounty knows no bounds, in the chirping of the sparrows, His sweet, melodious sounds. The harvests are His promise, a testament so clear, that even in life's winter, His springtime is near. His presence is our comfort, His faithfulness our song, in every circumstance of life, with Him, we belong. Trust in His provision, in His blessings, take delight, for His love is our beacon, in the darkest night. Let's celebrate His goodness, let's share our joy around, in harmony with one another, let His praises resound. For the blessings He bestows, let gratitude be our theme, and in every moment of our lives, let His love be seen.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude. We acknowledge that You are the provider of all our needs. The recurring seasons and the bountiful harvests are a testament to Your faithfulness. In every sunrise and sunset, in every spring bloom and autumn leaf, we see Your hand at work. This reassures us of Your constant presence and Your faithfulness in all circumstances. Help us, Lord, to trust in Your provision and to always thank You for Your blessings. Let our hearts overflow with joy and gratitude for Your goodness. As we celebrate Your blessings, let us share our joy with others. Teach us to live in harmony with one another, reflecting Your love and peace in our interactions. May our lives be a testament to Your abundant grace, and may our words and actions bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
TEACHING ABOUT THE LAW/TEACHING ABOUT ANGER
Matthew 5:17-20/21-26
First Reading
III: Stories of the Prophets
ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL
1 Kings 18:1-46
Psalm
Second Book : Psalms 42-72
THANKSGIVING FOR GOD'S BLESSINGS
Psalm 65:1-14
Related Blogs:
https://stewardshipinbusinessandtrade.blogspot.com/2024/06/reconciliation-and-settlement.html
https://theabundanceofrain.blogspot.com/2024/06/go-up.html
https://runtotherisenlord.blogspot.com/2024/06/paths-overflow-with-rich-harvest.html
