Psalms 50 * (59), 60 or 114, 115; Exodus 34:1-17; 1Thessalonians 2:13-20; Matthew 5:21-26Jesus adds to our responsibilities as his followers today. Not only aren't we to murder, (which I don't think is all that difficult for most of us), but we aren't to be angry at anyone, or insult someone, or call someone a fool. He increases the responsibility beyond these when he tells us to go to those who have something against us and be reconciled with them: they don't come to us we go to them, no matter what, before approaching the altar to offer gifts. Wow. Wow. Wow. I think we forget about this one all the time.
Anger is an emotion, many times rooted in something valid: often times it can be irrational though. So I think Jesus is on to something here - pointing us towards constant self-reflection and analysis of our actions as well of the actions of those around us and instructing us to move al lour relationships to places of love and acceptance and understanding. All of our relationships. A very tall task, in particular reaching out to those who have something against us and being the ones called upon to attempt to bring reconciliation to the relationship. I foresee exhaustion and frustration, but that is the lesser part of our human nature making excuses for not doing this work. Hard work it is. Work we are called to do though. Daily.
jfd+
Copyright 2008, John F. Dwyer+ All rights reserved.
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