March 15, 2019
Friday, 1st Week of Lent
1st Reading: Ez 18:21-28/ Ps 130: 1-2.3-4.5-7a. 7bc-8
Gospel: Mt 5:20-26
Jesus said to the crowds, “I tell you, then, that if you are not righteous in a much broader way than the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to our people in the past: Do not commit murder; anyone who does kill will have to face trial. But now I tell you: whoever gets angry with a brother or sister will have to face trial. Whoever insults a brother or sister deserves to be brought before the council; whoever humiliates a brother or sister deserves to be thrown into the fire of hell.
So, if you are about to offer your gift at the altar and you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with him, and then come back and offer your gift to God.
“Don’t forget this: be reconciled with your opponent quickly when you are together on the way to court. Otherwise he will turn you over to the judge, who will hand you over to the police, who will put you in jail. There you will stay, until you have paid the last penny.”
D@iGITAL-EXPERIENCE
(Daily Gospel in the Assimilated Life Experience)
Here is Sa-eh Poh’s joke of the day. DAD: What a shameful son you are! Look at your grades, almost all are in red! SON: Relax, Dad, put on your glasses. You are looking at your old report card!
The reason why we should be considerate with our fellowmen is that we ourselves have a colorful past. We only need to put on our eyeglasses to see the reality that we too are imperfect. Being aware of our need for understanding and forgiveness will help us become considerate toward others. Today’s Gospel takes this concept to the level of the Parousia. The Lord reminds us that we are all heading towards the judgment seat of God. We’d better settle our differences and make peace with one another because in front of God we are all equal in terms of need for forgiveness.
On earth God’s mercy abounds. But when we die God’s justice takes over. While still on earth, let us celebrate the Festival of God’s mercy by exercising it on others. We renew this pledge each time we pray that part of the Lord’s Prayer that says, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”
Before the judgment seat of God, eyeglasses whether symbolic or real would have no use to us, for everything will be revealed in no clearer terms. The entrance exam to heaven is predictable. Only basic questions on charity will be asked. Hopefully will make it with flying colors. – (Atty.) Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., D.M. Email: [email protected].
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