Friday of the 1st week of Lent
Saint Polycarp, Bishop, Martyr
Gospel – Matthew 5:20-26
“So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering”. This is one of the most demanding requirements which Jesus Christ put before us to be part of His sacrifice. His sacrifice is the absolute sacrifice of forgiveness. Man rebelled against God. God became man to forgive man. He forgave us by dying on the Cross. He forgave everyone with the death on the cross. If we want to participate in that sacrifice, we must forgive everyone and make sure that we are in communion with the other. Jesus died for each one of us. Each one of us is important for Him. That is why we must treat each person with respect and love. The Word of God even does not permit us to be angry to anyone. The other person is important. He is in the image and likeness of God. This divine aspect in each person we must respect. Let’s reflect: Lent is the time to grow in the forgiveness and in the understanding of the other.
Friday 23 February
