For every day during Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
God is a good teacher. He starts with the easy lessons first before going to the more advanced course of life.
So, God starts with the basics. Don’t kill. That’s a good beginning and it served the community well when people actually observed that commandment.
But Jesus is ready to give us the more advanced course for his disciples. He raised the bar and said, “But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to Judgment.”
Like any advanced course, it gets more difficult as we move forward. Yet, if we follow Jesus, we must keep the Ten Commandments in their external form but allow Jesus to help us internalize them. So, we should not kill, but keep our anger in check, too.
With regard to today’s passage, Jesus said, “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.”
Is there a person with whom you can make peace, at least by letting go of the anger you might have with them? Are we ready to be taught and observe the more demanding way by Jesus?