June 9, 2022, Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time-C
1 Kings 18:41-46
Psalm 65
Matthew 5:20-26
“…leave your gift at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother and then come and offer your gift.” Mt. 5:23-24
Lord, your good news today is that you value our relationships with each other more than any sacrifice we can offer at your altar. Our sacrifice means little if we harbor anger, hatred or evil intent toward a family member or someone else close to us. You told us the two greatest commandments are to love God with all we have and love our neighbor as ourselves. Being reconciled to each other is a priority for you. At every Mass I say “Lord I am not worthy to receive you…” I am a sinner who falls short of your commandment of love. Yet you give yourself to me in the Holy Eucharist each time I approach your altar. Why can I not lift the burden of anger or resentment against another who is maybe more worthy than I am. Only you know that. Please shed your grace upon me to live a life of righteousness more than the Scribes and Pharisees of your time. I cannot do this on my own so please guide my heart to be good and merciful like yours. Amen.