Word to the Wise
Friday, February 26, 2021 - 1st Week of Lent - Fri
[Ezek 18:21-28 and Matt 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." [Matthew]
My imagination is tempted to picture the size of the sanctuary filled with unopened gifts awaiting reconciliation between the giver and someone with whom he or she is at odds! Even if we run from the confessional to the communion line, we do not approach the Eucharist as perfect people. The traditional expression, "state of grace" does not mean perfection! As I tell folks, "If we were perfect, we would be God!" Every celebration of the Eucharist begins with a penitential rite!
What unfortunately escapes the attention of many very good people is the connection between worship and everyday Christian life. The Old Testament prophets continually denounced worship that was not reflected in justice and mercy and love of neighbor. Our worship cannot be compartmentalized away from the annoying person in the next pew or in the place where we work or in our own homes. A "time-out" in a sport is part of a bigger effort in the game and not an escape from playing on the field, especially if we have committed some foul that hurt a teammate or opponent.
The gospel scripture today offers us the opportunity to reflect on any unopened gifts we have left at the altar. AMEN