REFLECTIONS TODAY

“Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked? says the Lord God? Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live?” (v 23, First Reading). 

God’s mercy never ceases. He is a father who forgives our sins if we are willing to return to him and change our ways. God has only one condition: that we learn to ask for forgiveness and to forgive in return. 

Not to forgive and not to ask for forgiveness are both caused by human pride. Pride intensifies our anger and leads us to harm our enemies and ourselves. When we are angry, we not only hurt those people to whom our anger is directed but also ourselves. We punish ourselves, as it were, because anger acts like a chain tied to our feet and prevents us from coming closer to God. 

God desires to liberate us from anger. But we can only be freed if we choose t o f or give, instead of succumbing to anger. Jesus has already freed us from the poison of sin. It is our choice, however, to give in or resist anger. 

Forgive your enemies and liberate yourself from anger!

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.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.