1 Kings 18:41-46 / Matthew 5:20-26
One of the most challenging aspects of being human is in our relationships with other people.
Because in these relationships, there is always the need for understanding, for communicating, for loving and for caring.
These become rather difficult when relationships are strained.
In a strained relationship, we may want to avoid further misunderstanding and hurt by keeping a "safe distance" from the other.
But by maintaining a "safe distance", we only end up in an uncomfortable silence or even a "cold war".
Hence, in the gospel, Jesus issued this challenging teaching: If you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, go and be reconciled with him first.
In other words, the act of reconciliation must always be initiated by the person who has been wronged. Sounds strange isn't it?
But keeping a safe distance and by maintaining silence is simply avoiding the issue.
Neither is waiting for the party who has done wrong to come to us and apologize be a fruitful option. It might be a futile wait.
But as we come before the altar of the Lord to offer ourselves in union with Jesus, let us ask the Lord for the gift of wisdom and understanding, even before we embark on the task of reconciliation with those we are avoiding.
Let us ask the Lord to pour forth His love to heal our hurt and anger and resentment.
We need to be healed by the Lord before we can go forth and be reconciled with others.