Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is filled with wisdom for daily life. Today Jesus warns us about anger. If we allow anger to linger in our hearts, eventually, we will be hurt. Holding a grudge influences our relationship with God and leads to judgment.

So how can we move forward? Jesus invites us to reconciliation: "First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." (Mt. 5:24). This takes much courage. The first reading emboldens us: "...where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Cor. 3:17).

We have this Spirit within us now; Jesus wants us to be free. Reconciliation comes when we focus on Jesus and tell Jesus we have been hurt by a person.

How does Jesus respond to us? We listen to Jesus.

When we feel the love and comfort of Christ in our hearts, then we are more able to forgive someone. When we feel we are cared for by Jesus, we can let go of anger or the expectation of receiving back what was wrongly taken. When I place the situation in Jesus' hands, forgiveness becomes more natural....and my heart is set free.

Jesus, with whom are You inviting me to be reconciled?