Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB 11 Vigils of the Night Office on Sunday

Mass: 1 K 18:41-46; Resp Ps 65; Mt 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples:

I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.

Even though the text is based on Mt 6:33, the song that comes to my lips is, Seek Ye First:

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,

And all these things shall be added unto you.

Alleluia, alleluia.

What is the righteousness we are seeking in Jesus’ command: ‘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.’ Righteousness in peace and reconciliation with those with whom we are in conflict, at odds, are opposed, or have harmed by way of word or deed. St Benedict tells us: ‘make peace your quest and aim’ (RB Prol. 17), and, ‘if you have a dispute with someone, make peace with her before the sun goes down’ (RB 4:73). In addition, we are well aware that ‘thorns of contention are likely to spring up’ wherever we might find ourselves at work or play, at home or in community. Therefore, Benedict instructs: ‘the celebration of Lauds and Vespers must never pass by without the superior’s reciting the entire Lord’s Prayer at the end for all to hear’ (RB 13:12).

First things first. Nothing should get in the way of seeking peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Ask and it shall be given to you;

seek, and ye shall find;

Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Alleluia, alleluia.

You do not live by bread alone, but by ev’ry word

That proceeds from the mouth of God.

Alleluia, alleluia.