Homily – Friday, 27 February 2026

First Week of Lent



Introduction

My dear brothers and sisters,

We are now a few days into Lent. The ashes are no longer fresh on our foreheads, but the call to conversion is still fresh in God’s heart.

Lent is not about looking religious. It is about becoming righteous. It is not about appearances. It is about relationships — especially broken ones.

Today’s Gospel challenges us in a very direct and uncomfortable way.

Life Story

A man once said,
“I love humanity… it’s people I struggle with.”

That sounds funny — until we realise how true it can be.

It’s easy to say, “I love God.”
It’s much harder to forgive the colleague who gossiped about you, the neighbour who disrespects you, or the family member who hurt you years ago.

Lent brings us face-to-face with this truth:
You cannot separate love of God from love of neighbour.

The Word

In Matthew 5:20–26, Jesus says something radical:

“If your righteousness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

The scribes and Pharisees followed the law carefully. But Jesus calls for something deeper — not just external obedience, but inner transformation.

He goes further:

“If you are bringing your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there… first go and be reconciled.”

This is powerful.

Jesus is saying that reconciliation is more urgent than ritual.
Peace with your brother or sister matters deeply to God.

Anger, resentment, grudges — these block grace.
You may fast. You may pray. You may give to the poor.
But if your heart is hard toward someone, Lent is incomplete.

Three Practical Lessons for Today

1. Check Your Heart

Is there someone you are still angry with?
Be honest. Don’t justify it. Bring it to God.

2. Take the First Step

You may be waiting for the other person to apologise.
Jesus challenges you to move first. Send the message. Make the call. Start the healing.

3. Don’t Delay Reconciliation

“Settle matters quickly,” Jesus says.
Life is short. Pride is expensive. Forgiveness is freeing.

Inspirational Quote

“Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
— Often attributed to St Augustine (popular spiritual wisdom)

Conclusion

My dear friends,

Lent is not just about giving up sweets or cool drinks.
It is about giving up grudges.

It is about allowing God to soften your heart.

When you forgive, you become free.
When you reconcile, you reflect Christ.
When you let go, God fills the space with peace.

Prayer

Merciful Father,

You have forgiven me more times than I can count.

Yet I still struggle to forgive others.

Search my heart today.
Show me where anger, pride, or resentment still live.

Give me the humility to seek reconciliation.
Give me the courage to take the first step.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and make me an instrument of Your peace.

May this Lent draw me closer to You
by teaching me to love as You love.

Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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