A sign of peace and forgiveness

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. ‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother “Fool” he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him “Renegade” he will answer for it in hell fire. So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.’ (Mathew 5, 20-26)

Every person is created in the image of God. This is why deliberate murder is the most serious of the sins against others. At the same time, we must not forget the evil that words can do. We must try to be a sign of peace and forgiveness in our society that is increasing social conflict by creating division and mutual hatred. Try to remember if you offended someone this week? And if the offence was serious, did you apologise and go to confession afterwards? Moreover try to be forgiving if someone has hurt you or try to reconcile with the person who has something against you.