You have heard, that it was said to our people in the past: DoYou have heard, that it was said to our
people in the past: Do not commit murder; anyone who murders will have to face trial.But now, I tell you:
whoever gets angry with a brother or sisterwill have to face trial. Whoever insults a brother or sister is liable,
to be brought before the council. Whoever calls a brother orsister “Fool!” is liable, of being thrown into the
fire of hell. So, ifyou are about to offer your gift at the altar, and you remember that your brother has something
against you, leave your giftthere, in front of the altar; go at once, and make peace withyour brother,
and then come back and offer your gift to God.

Don’t forget this: be reconciled with your opponent quickly Don’t forget this: be reconciled with your opponent
quickly when you are together on the way to court. Otherwise hewill turn you over to the judge, who will hand
you over to the police, who will put you in jail. There, you will stay, until youhave paid the last penny.

Reflection

What was Elijah’s failure? What was Elijah’s failure?Among many, a sense of rightand wrong that was so rigid
and divisive that it burned bridges instead of building them; asense of right and wrong that was too judgemental
instead ofbeing patiently and fraternally corrective; a sense of right and wrong that sought to kill thanto heal. The
“keener sense ofright and wrong” that Jesus demands from us is to approach our sinning brothers and sisters
from a wider vision and higher ground that seek to love, heal,embrace, and wait on. A keener sense that seeks to
forgiveseventy times seven and waitfor the prodigal son to return,no questions asked. As Rumi, a Sufi mystic wrote,
“Somewherebeyond right and wrong, there is a garden. I will meet you there.” In other words, meet ourfailing brothers
and sisters in the garden of the heart of God for whom everyone is his child. (Seereflection on March 11).

© Copyright Bible Diary 2022