The Danger of Judging

Matthew 5. 20 - 26

"...leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister,* and then come and offer your gift."

This passage from one of the lessons appointed for this week in the Eucharistic readings troubles me deeply. There have been times in my life when I judged terribly...because of anger, frustration, fear, but regardless of why, I did. Today some whom I love but judged refuse reconciliation. Given this condition, I might never be able to "offer my gift at the altar." It seems to be a dead end.

Perhaps I can claim the words from Psalm 71 appointed for today.

Do not cast me off in my old age; * forsake me not when my strength fails.

God give me strength to see love even where reconciliation is refused, and restore me and those I love to fullness of health in this world and the world to come.