A Word from Matthew 5

When you travel, do you tend to bring only what’s essential, or do you overpack and end up with so much stuff that it only weighs you down?

I confess: I usually want to “travel light.” But all too often, I think of situations I might face—and everything I might want to have with me to handle those situations. And as a result, the baggage I bring with me sometimes gets in the way of enjoying the journey I’m trying to take.

I mention this because today’s word from Matthew 5 invites us to think about the baggage we carry with us when we take the journey into worship. Jesus is talking about the importance of freeing ourselves from anger toward others. And he says that if we’re holding on to anger and wounded feelings rather than dealing with them…well…we’re in danger of being “weighed down” straight into the fires of condemnation!

And “Therefore,” he says, “if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (5:23-24)

Naturally, as a pastor, I don’t really want people skipping worship every time they’ve got issues with somebody. But on the other hand, if we’re trying to worship without really practicing the grace and forgiveness for which Jesus died and to which we’ve been called, then chances are we’re too weighed down for the journey of worship to take us anywhere.

So…are there any brothers and sisters with whom you need to be reconciled today? And if so, may we lay down those burdens, so that we can truly offer to God the gifts we long to give. Amen.