| First Reading: Psalm: Gospel: | 1 Kings 18:41-46 Psalm 65:10-13 Matthew 5:20-26 |
Matthew 5:25 Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison;
This sounds a little strange to me. You would think Jesus would say don't compromise yourself and associate with those who accuse you. But he says to make friends so that they don't throw you in prison for the rest of your life.
I struggle with this. It seems like we are being instructed to "play the game". But I think the calling is higher and more significant than our little lives. Yes, we might be spared, but what are the long term ramification of that. Let's look. It gives the accuse a chance to show mercy. It gives peace and reconciliation a chance to happen.
We have to ask ourselves sometimes what is our purpose for doing what we do. Is it for the benefit of others or ourselves? We are called to show mercy as an example to others. Let's not then take away their opportunity to show mercy as well. Both for the example and their own edification.
Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to always consider the other person. Help me to think not about how good they should be, but to consider whether I am giving them the opportunity or I am preventing them from real spiritual growth by not trusting them and not trusting God.
Amen
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