First Week of Lent, Friday
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.
Matthew 5:20-24
As temples of the Holy Spirit, humans have a God-shaped heart. Thoughts and words that kill shrivel the heart and turn sacred space into a Gehenna.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
Matthew 5:9
for they will be called children of God.
Heaven is not above
Nor is hell below.
The heart’s demon or dove
Harrows or hallows.
Dear GMC, as they say, short but sweet reflection. And in the words of our Papa Francisco, “Let us ask the Lord for this grace: that our hearts become free and filled with light, so that we can rejoice as children of God.” Thank you and Father Victor for enriching our Lenten journey and helping me contemplate, albeit inadequately, the way of peacemakers. Lord, give us eyes like yours. My love and peace to all!