Teaching About Anger
Matthew 5:20-26
Gospel READING:
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."
Gospel Reflection:
In Matthew 5:20-26, Jesus teaches about righteousness and reconciliation. He begins by challenging the conventional understanding of righteousness held by the religious leaders of his time. He emphasizes that true righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. It's not merely about outward observance of the law but also about the condition of the heart.
Jesus then gives examples to illustrate his point. He speaks about anger and its destructive nature, warning that even being angry with a brother or sister is akin to murder in God's eyes. He urges reconciliation and emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts quickly, even before offering a gift at the altar.
This passage reminds us of the depth of God's standards and the transformative power of His grace. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions. Am I merely following rules and rituals, or am I genuinely seeking to live a righteous life from the inside out? Am I harboring anger or unforgiveness towards others, or am I actively seeking reconciliation and peace?
Jesus' words also highlight the importance of relationships in the Kingdom of God. Our relationships with others are not secondary to our relationship with God; they are intertwined. True righteousness is expressed in how we treat one another, especially in times of conflict or offense. It requires humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to seek reconciliation.
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