Reflection for February 19, Friday of the First Week of Lent; Matthew 5:20-26

Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

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.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. 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. Therefore, 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. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. 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. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

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Reflection:

A young man who was working as a houseboy was always being insulted by the family that he worked for. Name all the insulting words around and chances are that it could have been already hurled at him. Eventually the young man reached the limit of his patience so instead of doing something criminal to the family. He just walked away from them emotionally hurting and wounded.  

In the gospel Jesus reminds us to be careful with the words that we say for it can create a permanent wound in the emotions of our fellowmen. If the words that we will say are insulting it’s better not to say it anymore. It’s better to simply shut our mouth and be quite.

Let us remember that insulting words deeply hurts the receiver and it carves a permanent emotional wound in his being. But why do we say words that are not fit to be said? Why are we very quick to insult and belittle? This is primarily brought about by our arrogance, bloated egos and the feeling of superiority.

What is the cure for this unhealthy behavior? The cure is Jesus, if we will follow Jesus and if we will allow Him to change us. He will cleanse us of our arrogance, egotism and feeling of superiority toward our fellowmen.   

Thus, we will now become tolerant, humble, kind and gentle.

Prayer:

Dear Lord I pray that you’ll cleanse me of my arrogance and feeling of superiority. I know that I’ve hurt others with this sinful behavior as such I ask for your forgiveness. Purify me O Lord, teach me how to be humble, teach me kindness and teach how to love and forgive. This I humbly ask of you my Lord. Amen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas