Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. // Matthew 5:23-24
My stomach swirled, and my palms dampened. I knew what needed to be said. The Holy Spirit had convicted me. Even more, I was confident that I would be received by my friend with love and mercy. But I was nervous to admit I was wrong, to own the hurt I had caused, and to ask for forgiveness.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks for many verses about the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. Our forgiveness of others is highlighted, and we often prefer to focus our attention here. It is necessary to reflect on how we have been hurt and to forgive those who were responsible. But we can become so engrossed in forgiving “those who trespass against us” that we miss the precursor of being “forgiven our trespasses.”
And, let’s be honest, contemplating our own failings and offenses against others takes a direct hit at our pride and self-righteousness. We aren’t the victims in those instances. We aren’t owed anything—we owe something to someone. People live with the consequences of our sins and shortcomings, and our call is to work for restoration where we have brought destruction (of whatever gravity).
Jesus is clear about what we are to do. We need to apologize. These conversations sting, are uncomfortable, and are unpredictable in response. But they bring freedom! There is so much freedom in knowing that I’ve done my best to make a wrong right, humbled myself and asked forgiveness from God and man, and am willing to put in the effort to repair the damage. I am a sinner and will live my entire life making mistakes; but I am also a receiver of God’s grace, mercy, and direction.
His conviction is a call to conversion. His promptings are a promise of peace.
Who has God laid on your heart today while reading this Gospel? Who do you need forgiveness from? Pray about what God is asking you to do in that situation. Resolve to ask for forgiveness. Open your heart, and the Holy Spirit will grant you the humility, honesty, and hope necessary to do so.
Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky, where sweet tea and bourbon flow like milk and honey. She holds degrees in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and works from home while enjoying her children and husband. She curates relevant and inspiring content for Catholic women as Blog Manager. She is the narrator of Set a Fire, And Hay Became Holy, and All She Had as well as a contributing author for Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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