This week we have begun to pray through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, as recorded by Matthew. Jesus’ words today embody a quite personal challenge. Anger that festers truly corrupts one’s heart. So Jesus’ admonition to reconcile differences with another person is enormously life-giving on all sides. Jesus tells us quite firmly that this personal imperative must take place even before bringing your gift to the altar.
It is salutary to ponder this gospel passage on today’s feast of St. Anthony of Padua. We often ask this holy Franciscan to help us find lost objects. What more important object to find than a lost relationship with another, especially someone close to us.
As St. Anthony wrote: Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak.
—The Jesuit Prayer Team