Friday, March 05, 2004

What are we holding back?

"Hold back nothing of
yourselves for
yourselves, that He Who
give Himself totally to
you may receive you
totally!"

St. Francis of Assisi


This quote is at the end of the video showing the novices of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal making their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Given today's Gospel reading from Matthew about the need to forgive our brothers even before we come to the Lord's altar, perhaps we are holding back forgiveness and our efforts to reconcile with our brother.

Jesus said, “I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgement’. But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgement; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny”.


I know that I have work to do in this area. I can feel the Lord's conviction on my heart like a heavy weight. Pray for me, and I will pray for you that we might make every effort to be reconciled with those with whom we are separted for whatever reason.


Posted by David at 9:53 AM  |  Comments (0)  | 

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