Friday of the First Week

Reflection

In today’s Gospel from Matthew, it stated, “You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.  But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” This reading really resonated with me. Lent is a time in the Church year that is quite reflective. People often make an attempt to better their lives in the forty days of Lent. Leading up to Good Friday, there are many readings that are similar to today’s readings that are supposed to make us sit down and think about different aspects of life. Today’s readings, and those through the Lenten season, allow us to stand back and realize the ways in which we are saved from death through Jesus’ sacrificial love for us. Jesus died for each and every one of us so that we could have eternal life. He made the ultimate sacrifice out of love.

 

The reading today states that we must forgive others in order to have eternal life. The Lenten season gives us the opportunity to reflect more deeply on forgiveness, on those we hurt and those who hurt us, so that we can find healing and peace.  If we are forgiven for all that we have done, we must forgive others so that we may have eternal life. It is hypocritical for us to want forgiveness from God, but not forgive others for what they have done to us. Jesus died for us out of love. Let us spread this love and compassion Jesus had for us by forgiving others for their downfalls.

 

Prayer

Loving God, thank You for giving Your only Son as a sacrifice for my sins. Please give me Your love, guidance and strength each day to forgive others for their hurtful actions. Amen.

 

Alex Goff, ’17

 
 

Scripture

First Reading: Ezekiel 18:21-28

Psalm 130:1-8

Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website