6/11/2026 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
20 “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
21 “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
22 But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you,
24 leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
25 Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.
26 Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

6/11/2026 (Friday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 5:20-26

In this Gospel reading, Jesus challenges us to look beyond outward religious practices and focus on the condition of our hearts. Jesus teaches that true righteousness is not merely about avoiding wrongdoing; it is about cultivating love, forgiveness, humility, and reconciliation. It is possible to appear good on the outside while harboring anger, resentment, jealousy, or bitterness within. Yet God desires a transformed heart that reflects His mercy and compassion.

One of the greatest obstacles to spiritual growth is unresolved anger. Anger can silently damage relationships, destroy peace, and create distance between people. It often begins as a small hurt but grows into resentment if left unchecked. Jesus reminds us that our relationship with God is closely connected to our relationship with others. Worship becomes more meaningful when we strive to live in peace and harmony with those around us.

Imagine carrying a heavy backpack filled with stones. Each stone represents a grudge, an offense, or an unresolved conflict. The longer we carry it, the heavier it becomes. Reconciliation is like removing those stones one by one. It brings freedom, healing, and renewed joy. God calls us not only to seek forgiveness from Him but also to seek peace with one another.

A practical way to remember this Gospel message is through the word RIGHT:

R – Reconcile Quickly
Do not allow conflicts to grow deeper. When misunderstandings arise, take the first step toward peace. A sincere conversation can prevent years of hurt.

I – Inspect Your Heart
Look beyond your actions and examine your attitudes. Ask yourself whether there is anger, pride, envy, or bitterness that needs to be surrendered to God.

G – Give Grace
People make mistakes, just as we do. Extend patience, understanding, and forgiveness. Grace opens doors that anger keeps closed.

H – Honor Others
Treat every person with dignity and respect. Our words have power to heal or wound. Choose language that encourages rather than tears down.

T – Trust God with Justice
Not every wrong will be corrected immediately. Instead of holding onto resentment, place your hurts in God’s hands and allow Him to guide your response.

Living the RIGHT way does not mean becoming perfect overnight. It means making daily choices that reflect God’s love. It means choosing reconciliation over revenge, forgiveness over bitterness, and humility over pride. Every act of kindness, every effort to restore a relationship, and every decision to let go of anger brings us closer to the life God desires for us.

Today, consider whether there is someone you need to forgive, a relationship that needs healing, or an attitude that needs changing. Taking even one small step toward reconciliation can bring tremendous peace. When our hearts are right with God and with others, we experience the freedom, joy, and righteousness that Jesus wants for every disciple.

Go here to read further Gospel reflection.