Word to the Wise
Friday, March 6, 2009 - Friday in the First Week of Lent
[Ezekiel 18:21-28 and Matthew 5:20-26]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.
How many of us come to church completely free of conflict with someone else - even if the conflict is strictly internal and the other person doesn't know about it? I won't ask for a raise of hands! Neither do I want our churches to become the centerpieces of a warehouse district to hold all the "gifts pending reconciliation!" We do have to face this challenge from Jesus about worship and everyday life! In the Old Testament, prophets continually denounce worship that is unconnected with moral conduct. It's a modern problem, too. In my years of campus ministry I met many a student who complained about prominent parishioners whose attendance at church belied corrupt business or moral practices outside of worship time. Students can be tough on others because of idealism, but that doesn't change the challenge! Jesus tells us we have to have our lives "straight" if our worship is to be honest. The Gospel of Matthew is strong on reconciliation. Just look at the words that follow "the Lord's Prayer" (Matt. 6)or the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Matt. 18). Whatever our offering may be, it is better coming from a forgiving and forgiven heart. AMEN
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