The Rev. Canon Rosemarie Logan Duncan

Today’s Gospel: Matthew 5:20–26

The message of today’s gospel  captures one of the most fundamental themes of the Lenten season, that of reconciliation. Reconciliation involves a change in our relationship with God and our relationship with one another. We live in a time when broken relationships are common among people, but Jesus is pointing to how important it is to break down the walls of anger that divide and separate  us from one another because we are all created in God’s image. Admittedly this is no easy task, because relationships can sometimes be messy and a struggle, and it is easy to get angry and say or think hurtful things. I am sure that all of us have dealt with grudges, anger, hurt and jealousy at various moments in our lives. I confess that I have.

Jesus is talking to his disciples and to us today about the choices we all have. We all have the choice to hold onto resentments and anger or to let them go, but we don’t have to do this on our own. It is in these moments that we admit our need to turn to God for help. Today, in this season of Lent, may we be reminded once again what reconciliation breeds—it brings us back to the very heart of God. Do you have a friend, a colleague, a relative or a neighbor with whom you need to make things right? This season of Lent is the perfect time to go to that person and look for reconciliation and healing in the relationship.

Peace,

Rose+

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP, p. 223)