Monday, February 22, 2010

Put Things Right

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”
Matthew 5:23-26

Jesus gives two illustrations of the need to act quickly to put things right. In both, He assumes that we are in the wrong. His point is clear – you may argue over the finer points of the Law, if you like, but it still applies, and if you know that you are in the wrong, don’t spend forever making excuses, because you will only make matters worse. Instead, act swiftly. Follow the spirit of the Law. Put things right.

Both illustrations use situations that would have been very familiar to Jesus’ listeners. The first involves a man who suddenly remembers a disagreement with a brother just as he is about to present a sacrifice in the temple. There may be an element of humor in the description. What do the listeners think will happen to the animals or birds brought for sacrifice, if the owner suddenly abandons them as he goes to apologize? Jesus is pointing out that the Law that is written on our hearts directs that we do the most important thing first, no matter how inconvenient. If we have had a dispute with a brother, we may be in the middle of worship when it suddenly comes to mind, but it doesn’t matter. As soon as we possibly can, we should do whatever is necessary in order to put things right.

The second example transfers this principle from a brother to an adversary. If we have had a dispute with someone and are being taken to court, we would do well to settle the affair as quickly as possible, without going before a judge, or we will suffer the consequences. The implication is that, not only will the judge take a dim view of our behavior, but so will God.

There is to be urgency about our actions as we seek to reconcile with one another, or as we try to make amends. So often, this is not the way of the world. Disputes drag on for years and infect entire generations. Sometimes, arguments are perpetuated long after the original parties are dead and buried. On occasion, the reasons for the dispute are long forgotten. This is not to be so among us. Nothing is gained by delaying. Don’t put off until tomorrow what conscience requires should be done today.

Father God,
You are not hesitant in offering forgiveness.
You don’t keep me waiting, just because I deserve it.
Your love is urgent; Your compassion has wings.
I do not need to wait in order to know Your mercy.
May those whom I have wronged not need to wait for me.
Amen.