Go and reconcile!

The Word of God today is both challenging and hopeful. Through the prophet Ezekiel, the Lord makes something very clear: He does not delight in punishment; He delights in conversion. “Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked? … Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live?” God’s heart is not set on condemnation but on restoration. His justice is always ordered toward life. Psalm 130 deepens this truth: “If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?” If God were to keep a record of every fault, none of us would survive. Yet with Him there is forgiveness and “plenteous redemption.” Lent reminds us that we stand not because we are perfect, but because God is merciful. In the Gospel, Jesus raises the standard. In Gospel of Matthew 5:20–26, He teaches that righteousness is not just about avoiding murder; it is about uprooting anger, resentment, and contempt. We may never harm someone physically, yet we can wound deeply with words, silence, or bitterness. Jesus moves the battle from the outside to the inside. Sin begins in the heart. Then comes the radical command: “Leave your gift at the altar. Go first and be reconciled with your brother.” Worship cannot be separated from relationships. God does not want beautiful offerings from hands that refuse to seek peace. Reconciliation is not optional spirituality; it is essential discipleship. This is what makes today’s theme urgent: Go and reconcile! Do not delay. Do not justify your anger. Do not wait for the other person to move first. The Lord places the responsibility on us. Even if we believe we are right, reconciliation matters more than being right. Ezekiel says, “Make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.” Reconciliation begins when we allow God to soften our hardened hearts. It requires humility — the humility to admit wrong, to forgive, to ask forgiveness, to let go of pride. Lent is not only about fasting from food; it is about fasting from resentment. It is not only about prayer; it is about repairing broken bonds. It is not only about almsgiving; it is about giving mercy. If God is willing to forget our past sins when we turn back to Him, how can we refuse to forgive those who have wronged us? If He does not “mark iniquities,” why do we keep score? Today, before we approach the altar, before we continue our Lenten journey, the Lord speaks clearly: Go. Reconcile. Live.