be reconciled with your brother

“Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (MT 5: 23-24)

To Our Lord, our relationship with Him is based on our relationship with our brothers and sisters. We can’t be close to Him and, at the same moment, reject or be in conflict with our neighbors. The beauty of our gift is connected with our “reconciled brother.” We need “a new heart and a new spirit” which comes with reconciliation.

“Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the Lord, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.” (Gospel Acclamation)