Reconcile

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text.

Matthew 5:20-26

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Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

​Jesus raises the bar in today’s readings and we ought to pay attention. One can slice and dice the Gospel pie into what you will be liable for in terms of judgement. The Gospel is deep, but it is a simple as the Alleluia says: 

“I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.” John 13:34

Sin is much more than murder; Jesus changed the game. We are called to be more than what the Sanhedrin expected of people back then. 

Take a moment to reflect. Are you holding anything against anyone? Are you resentful? Have you not forgiven those who have hurt you, persecuted you or betrayed you? 

The Gospel goes on to say that you should not come to the Altar with your gift if you and your brother are not on good terms. Leave your gift and reconcile with your brother and then come and offer your gift to the Altar. 

It matters what our disposition is as we worship and approach the Altar the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. If we are not living this new commandment Jesus is asking of us, we should go to confession and ask for the grace of the Holy Spirit to reconcile with those people in our lives. Our disposition can block the sanctifying grace He desires to give us.

I speak from experience as I had resentment with some of my own family members. It wasn’t until I cried out to God for His help and through His grace was I able to forgive and truly love those who hurt me. I wish I had the words to explain the freedom I have been given from such a heavy burden of resentment. Through His grace, forgiveness is not an issue for me anymore. 

Let’s contemplate our lives in comparison to the commandments. Let’s reconcile ourselves to God even in the smallest sins. Let’s pray for sanctification and strive to be holy here on earth so we will not be thrown into prison (purgatory) where we will not be released until we have paid the last penny.

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Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

What pains or hurts are you struggling to let go? Are you resentful? Have you not forgiven those who have hurt you, persecuted you or betrayed you? 

Are you loving others as Jesus has loved you? Where in your life do you need God's help so that you can you grow in love and forgiveness?

How do these commandments call you on to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus?

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Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"Lord, have mercy."

"Teach me to love."

​"I need you grace."

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Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Before we continue with the prayer we have been praying daily during this pandemic, let us pray for unity. Please click here to pray the Prayer to Overcome Racism. I encourage you to pray this prayer often, or one similar in your own words so that we can begin to strive towards the unity God created us for.

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In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer during coronavirus:

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe,
Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We fly to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son,
as you did at the wedding in Cana.
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Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our nation and world,
and for all our families and loved ones,
the protection of your holy angels,
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.

Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

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Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

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Today’s Prayer was prepared by Kendra Von Esh, an International Catholic Speaker, TV News Anchor, Radio Host and Author with a passion to help others deepen their relationship with God and the Faith.

If you have anything you'd like our team to pray for, please go to the page of our website called "Prayers" and let us know how we can pray for you today.