Jun 15, 2017 Thursday of the 10th Week of Ordinary Time-A

2 Corinthians 3:15-4:1, 3-6

Psalm 85

Matthew 5:20-26

“…go first and be reconciled with your brother…”  Matthew 5:24

Lord, among your wisest teachings is about how we go about setting our priorities.  If I am having a problem with someone you tell me to heal that injury first even before coming to church.  Forgiveness comes even before offering Mass.  Praying at Mass with hatred and evil in my heart is putting the cart before the horse.  In your wisdom labeling and judgement of people is so harmful to our spirits.  Lord, I really need your help in living all that is in your Sermon on the Mount.  It’s not at all easy to follow your simple yet radical ways of discipleship.  I can learn from Elijah and his servant’s perseverance and patience.  Even if I fail.  Even if I blow it the first few times, I’ll keep at it until I can see other people as you do: precious children of our Father.  When I see them that way, their mistakes and faults don’t seem to be such big deals. Amen.