In this weekend’s Gospel from Matthew 5:17-37, Jesus speaks words that are both challenging and deeply healing. He reminds us that our faith is not only about what we do on the outside, but about what is happening in our hearts, especially in our relationships with one another.
Jesus tells us that before we bring our gift to the altar, before we pray and worship, we are called to look honestly at our hearts. Are there people we are still angry with? Are there old wounds, unresolved conflicts, or silent resentments that we carry? Are there relationships that remain broken because pride, fear, or hurt has kept us from taking the first step toward healing?
Many of us are not filled with obvious anger. Instead, we carry “hidden wounds.” These may come from family disagreements, strained friendships, misunderstandings at work, or even tensions within our parish community. We often say, “I’m fine,” or “I’ve moved on,” yet deep down, the pain is still there. Jesus sees these wounds, and He cares deeply about them, because He cares deeply about us.
Jesus teaches us that love of God and love of neighbor cannot be separated. We cannot grow fully in our relationship with God while holding onto bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness. These hidden wounds slowly steal our peace, weaken our prayer, and harden our hearts. Jesus does not point this out to burden us, but to free us. He desires to heal what is broken within us.
Reconciliation does not mean pretending nothing ever happened. It does not mean ignoring real pain. It means choosing, with God’s help, not to let that pain control our lives. Sometimes reconciliation is a conversation. Sometimes it is an apology. Sometimes it is forgiveness offered quietly in prayer. Sometimes it is simply letting go. Whatever form it takes, it always begins in the heart.
As a parish family, we are called to be a community of healing, not hidden hurt. We will sometimes disappoint one another. We will sometimes misunderstand each other. But with Christ at the center, we can choose mercy, patience, and compassion. When relationships are healed, our hearts become more open to God’s grace.
I invite you to take a simple spiritual challenge this week.
First, pray honestly and ask the Lord: “Is there someone I am still holding a grudge against in my heart?”
Second, take one small step. It may be a phone call, a message, a note, a kind word, or a sincere apology.
Third, ask for God’s grace. Say, “Lord, I cannot do this alone. Help me.”
Forgiveness is not weakness. It is strength. It is freedom. It is faith in action.
As we gather at the altar each week, may we ask Jesus to heal our hidden wounds, restore our relationships, and shape our hearts to be more like His. When we do, we will find that we grow not only closer to God, but closer to one another.
May the Lord bless you and your families with peace, healing, and renewed love.