Mt 5,20-26 – Friday of the First Week of Lent
“Therefore, if you present your offering on the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother and then return to offer your gift.” This piece may seem almost ideal, until we don’t really experience the breaking of a meaningful bond with someone we love. When this happens, you realize that forgiving and seeking reconciliation is profoundly tiring. Sometimes it even seems impossible.
Wounds burn, pride defends itself, disappointment stiffens the heart. Yet Jesus is very clear: the relationship with God cannot be separated from the relationship with one’s brother. It doesn’t say that we need to be perfect, but that we cannot appear before God in ignorance a fracture that also depends on us.
The condition is the sincere desire for communion. It’s true: both parties are needed for full reconciliation. A bond is rebuilt in two. But we can’t always decide for the other. We cannot force his freedom, nor impose his change. What we can do instead is our part. And this is precisely what the Gospel asks of us: to do what is in our power. It is as if Jesus told us today: “As far as it depends on you, don’t close your heart. As far as you can, forgive. Leave a door open”. Then it will be the other, in his freedom, who chooses whether to cross it. But don’t build walls.
Forgiveness is not denying the evil suffered, nor pretending that nothing happened. It’s deciding not to let that evil determine your heart forever. It is an act of freedom. And this enables us to stand before God with truth. The most pleasing offering to God is not a flawless ritual gesture, but a heart that does not cultivate resentment. Because God himself is communion. And those who wish to meet him cannot escape the concrete and daily effort of rebuilding bonds. Even when it costs. Even when it seems disproportionate. As far as you can, forgive. This is what makes your standing before God authentic.
