Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua
Scripture:
1 Kings 18:41-46
Matthew 5:20-26
Reflection:
Today’s gospel continues moving through the Sermon on the Mount. Here we are presented with the first of six “antitheses,” which essentially are a fuller understanding of the Commandments. We recall in 5:17-19, Jesus affirms that he has come to fulfill and not abolish the Law. Therefore, having stated its basic principles, he now offers six concrete examples of how Christian justice is expressed and lived. We recognize the familiar pattern of “you have heard it said…but I say to you” as he invites us to a deeper reflection on each one.
In this text Jesus is asking us not to move too swiftly beyond the commandment, “You shall not kill” but to reflect on the movements involved that result in this action. We pause to realize that the act of committing murder generally doesn’t happen in isolation. While the act of taking a life is never our desire, most of us can relate to being angry with another person and even to name-calling—even if only in our thoughts. I know, for example, silly little things like someone who cuts me off as I drive along or rudely jumps the line in a crowded grocery store finds me challenged to keep my attitude in line. Normally, I can let these things go, however, if I’m late for an appointment or stressed about getting my errands finished, it can easily unravel all my good intentions.
So, Jesus is asking us to consider our actions against another in an attitude of “nip it in the bud“ because lack of care, respect, and appreciation of our brother and sister kills. Maybe not physically but spiritually, it creates a rupture in relationships and increases the darkness. This idea paints a whole different understanding of our responsibility towards another, and I know that I am guilty of this “crime” daily…hourly, even.
Notice how the directive to be reconciled centers around ritual worship. “Therefore, if you bring your gifts to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gifts at the altar and go first to be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (v. 23-24). Throughout the Old Testament, God insists on authentic, heartfelt gift offerings, Jesus is highlighting the same by encouraging self-reflection. Reconciliation is key to offering an authentic gift at the altar when we do so with our hearts fully engaged. In taking care to heal any breach in relationships, we increase the light of Christ.
In reality, there may be times when our request for forgiveness is rejected. Some wounds can take longer than others to heal, and we can feel at the mercy of another. However, in reaching out, we begin the process of reconciliation regardless of how much time it may take. Essentially, it’s our call to work towards unity and right relationship. God desires our full flourishing as humans living lives on this one planet. How beautiful to know that this directive is not only for the person I may have hurt but also for me. In repairing bonds, we bring the kingdom of God among us. On this feast of St. Anthony, we pray to find forgiveness, healing, and wholeness. That is certainly not a lost cause!
Jean Bowler is a retreatant at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the Office of Mission Effectiveness Board of Holy Cross Province.