Law of reconciliation

Friday of the First Week of Lent
Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031425.cfm

As of late, it doesn’t take much to see people tearing each other down. As we have increased our ability to share information, you would think we’d become more understanding of each other and our differences of opinion. A friend of mine recently commented that never in their life have they experienced a time where current events are so polarizing that it’s as if it was multiple different events. It’s as if we are different groups wearing different glasses through which we see the world. Instead of celebrating our differences and learning from each other, we resort to arguing and dismissing the views of the other.

In the movie “Conclave” there is a sermon that states “certainty” is a great sin. Faith requires both a sense of certainty and doubt. If we have a sense of full certainty, we lose tolerance of different beliefs and viewpoints. It is in our doubt where we are open to reconciliation. When we live in a state of certainty, we are prone to judge others.

In today’s gospel, Jesus challenges us to think more deeply about the law, not just in our behavior and actions, but in settling disputes with others. Reconciliation goes beyond forgiveness of sins, it extends to reconciling with others regardless of if we sinned or not. In the end, we may decide to go our separate ways, but it is always good for us to clear the air and gain understanding of where the other person is coming from and to share our understanding of where we are coming from. We can live civilly with one another when we disagree. To follow Jesus is to seek reconciliation and to challenge ourselves beyond the law to become more loving. It’s not about following the rules, it’s about being transformed in love.