Are you willing and able to humble yourself to apologize to somebody you have offended?

When I was in the youth ministry, I had a heated argument with one of the youth leaders regarding our summer activities. We disagreed with each other’s ideas and arrogantly believed that our own was superior. Tensions rose, and we ended up shouting and saying hurtful words at each other. After that incident, I was so worried and deeply disturbed for I knew what I did was wrong. I later approached the brother and made peace with him by asking for his forgiveness and correcting my mistake.

Jesus, in our Gospel today, teaches us about humility and the courage to admit our shortcomings. When we are angry, we should always be careful with the words we say to other people. Insulting words are not helpful, for they can deeply hurt and wound one’s heart. We have to be prudent, control our emotions, be quiet, and let the anger be pacified by understanding and love.

To reach out and apologize is hard to do, but it is also a very humbling and redemptive experience, for it will free us from guilt, hurting burdens and other negative feelings. Every day in our lives we are always given opportunities to correct our wrongdoings. If we only approach Jesus, then He will indeed embrace us with His mercy and love. He will cleanse us of our arrogance and feeling of superiority. May we always grab these opportunities whenever we commit mistakes to be reconciled to those we have sinned against and be reunited with the Lord.

By: Sem. Roldan B. Baliano

Today’s Gospel

Mt 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother,
Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”