Reflections on Scripture | Friday of the First Week of Lent

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

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.”

Reflection

The image that strikes me in this reading is the image of the kingdom of heaven. A lot of times we say to each other, that's just heaven, you know? And it's so interesting that it's clear that the essence of a place that is heavenly is a place of love, understanding and compassion, free of judgment. So I ask you to open your heart to that kingdom and seek it with all your heart.

The Closing Prayer

The Closing Prayer. Father, you ask us to check always and to pay attention to our intention. The critical side of us often is engaged in something that we don't want to honor. And that is the responsibility. We have to be there for one another and not to tear one another down. So bless us with the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

Reflections Archives

Kyle Cross