Reflection by Fr. Collins Akhigbe OP
Scriptural passages
1st reading 2 Cor. 3:15-4:1, 3-6. Psalm 84. Gospel Mt. 5:20-26.
Theme: Reconcile With Your Brother
“…Go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Mt. 5:24). In today’s gospel reading the Lord has made it clear that without reconciliation our sacrifices will be unacceptable before the throne of God. We ought to reconcile with one another before offering our gifts before the Lord. This shows that our relationship with one another is very important in our relationship with God. We cannot have a smooth relationship with God when we refuse to reconcile with others. The place of forgiveness and reconciliation is critical in Christianity. The Lord came to reconcile humanity with God. The Lord gave his Church the mission of reconciliation. The scripture tells us, “The Lord has reconciled the world with himself through the death of his son on the cross of Calvary and given us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18). In this reflection we shall highlight why you should reconcile with your brother and how to promote the business of reconciliation.
Why You Should Reconcile With Your Brother
First, it is the will of Jesus Christ that you reconcile with your brother. “So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift” (Mt. 5:23-24).
This passage teaches that reconciliation is a priority, even before offering worship to God. It underscores the importance of peace in human relationships as a condition for proper worship.
Second, you should reconcile with your brother because it reflects God’s mercy toward us. “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Mt. 6:14-15). Forgiving and reconciling with others is necessary because it mirrors the forgiveness God shows us. A Christian who refuses reconciliation puts his own forgiveness at risk.
Third, you are called to be peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Mt. 5:9). Reconciliation is a form of peacemaking. Christians are called to actively seek peace and reconciliation in their relationships, reflecting God’s peace to the world.
Fourth, you should reconcile with your brother because unity reflects the body of Christ. “..that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another… Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Cor. 12:25-27). As members of the mystical body of Christ, you are expected to promote unity and harmony. The Church is one body, and disunity among members (like unreconciled brothers) damages that body. Reconciliation heals and strengthens the community of believers.
Fifth, you should reconcile with your brother because the sacrament of reconciliation encourages you to reconcile with others. According to the Catechism, Jesus instituted the sacrament of reconciliation, giving the Church authority to forgive sins and calling all believers to conversion and reconciliation (CCC # 1443-1445; Jn. 20:23).
How To Promote Reconciliation
First, you should forgive others as God forgives you. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32).
Reconciliation begins with forgiveness. Christians are called to forgive freely, just as Christ has forgiven them. Holding grudges or seeking revenge contradicts Christian teaching.
Second, you should take the first step toward peace. “If your brother sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have regained your brother” (Mt. 18:15).
Initiating dialogue, even when difficult, is essential. Promoting reconciliation involves humility and courage to address conflict directly and privately, seeking understanding and healing.
Third, you should pray for reconciliation and peace. The scripture has this to say, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts…” (Phil. 4:6-7). Prayer softens the heart and invites God into the process of healing. Christians promote reconciliation by praying for those they are in conflict with and for the grace to forgive.
Fourth, seek the sacrament of reconciliation. In other words, go for confession. It is very therapeutic for the total wellbeing of those who make use of it. The apostle Paul says,
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18). By confessing sins and receiving God’s forgiveness, Christians are spiritually renewed and called to extend that reconciliation to others.
Fifth, be a peacemaker in your community. The Master tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Mt. 5:9).
Being a peacemaker means promoting dialogue, resisting division, and working for justice. It also means helping others reconcile when possible, not just yourself.
Sixth, you should practice empathy and active listening. The scripture tells us,
“Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). Listening is a key part of reconciliation. Understanding the other person’s feelings and point of view opens the door to mutual respect and healing.
Seventh, you can promote reconciliation by loving your enemies and doing good to them. The Master tells us,
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Lk. 6:27-28). This radical teaching of Jesus invites Christians to promote reconciliation even in the most difficult situations, by responding with love rather than hatred. These are some of the ways you can promote reconciliation.
Prayers
Lord, help us to be patient with one another. Lord, give us a forgiving spirit. Lord, deliver us from bitterness and resentment. Lord, help us to love one another. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a beautiful day.
With lots of prayers and love.
