Posted by The WORD in other words (2021) by Fr Simon Boiser SVD – Germany
Friday 1st Week of Lent
Why he does not attend Holy Mass with the Filipino community, a friend told me, is “because I will only meet many hypocrites, who pray like angels inside the church and live like devils outside. I cannot bear the self-righteous who easily point fingers on others’ mistakes/sins but not see their own imperfections/weaknesses. Some people pray and sing together inside God’s house but still hate one another, spreading malicious gossip behind each other’s back after the Mass. I do not need to participate in that sanctimonious theater!”
This hard but true observation echoes what Jesus said in today’s Gospel. Some church people are like the Pharisees, who are mainly concerned about imposing religious rules on others but forget how to practice the same themselves.
Jesus reminds his listeners that religious rites make sense only if we enjoy good relationships with others. Worship is not a substitute for good behavior because I cannot be reconciled to God unless I am reconciled to my neighbor.
Church worship should be an expression of what lies in one’s heart. That is why it is not sufficient, for example, to observe the fifth commandment by avoiding murder. It is also necessary to uproot from within the likes of anger, hatred, and the desire to revenge, which can lead to murder. Bad-mouthing someone, gossiping, slander, defamation also constitute a form of “killing.”
Is there anybody you need to forgive? Pray for the grace to forgive that person in your heart, and let go of any feelings of anger or resentment you may have towards them. Ask the Lord for the grace to be reconciled with them and restore friendship. Forgiveness and reconciliation are the heart of all relationships because our Lord is a God of relationships.
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