Reflection From

Rev. Dr. Michael W. Davis

February 15, 2026

Today's Gospel tells us that the law of God has its perfection in Christ. Jesus did notcome to supplant the law, but rather to complement it and to perfect it. He did not come tomake the divine law easier, but rather, fulfilling it Jesus taught us how to put it into practice.

Flowing from Jesus' teaching and according to today's Gospel, we are asked for somethingmore than not killing, something more than not committing adultery. Jesus underscores withdetail and deepend some of the Commandments that in the Old Testament were merelyindicated in a general way. In the past, some have taken the Jewish prescriptions of the law,the letter of the law, as having more importance than the spirit of the law. Jesus wants to get usback to the authenticity of the spirit of the law and put it into practice.

Numerous themes are presented to us in today's Gospel, but perhaps none moreimportant than these: reconciliation, friendship, and the forgiveness of sins. We human beingsare made to live in community, in relationship with those around us. We haven't been createdto live in isolation. Let's be honest, though, this life in community, in relationship, is difficult. It'seasy to argue and fight with those around us, to have tension and friction with neighbors and fellow communitymembers, with working companions, and even with family members. At times, we even set ourselves up forconfrontation with one another, having resentments against certain people, not knowing where to begin to forgive andmake things right. This is precisely the point of today's Gospel instruction.

Our Catholic heart should be open to everyone; no one should be excluded. We all need the life of grace. Weshould never seek to offend anyone and we should be disposed to pardon those that have offended us. It begins withletting go of resentments. The teachings and life of Jesus give us direct example and practical application. Love, whichis the basis of Christianity, always automatically excludes hate toward others. Jesus gives more importance to the topicof forgiveness and to love of neighbor than he gives to all other types of sacrifice that we could offer. Jesus says, "ifwhen you present your gift before the altar you realize that your brother has something against you, leave your gift, andfirst go and reconcile yourself with your brother." Christian forgiveness does not have limits. We should always bedisposed to forgive. Remember how Jesus on the cross modeled such behavior. He forgave his persecutors: "Fatherforgive them, for they know not what they do."

As we leave church today, may our Eucharist help us to be disposed to be instruments of forgiveness andreconciliation to the many who have offended us. May we ask for pardon for those who have misjudged us, through ourdeeds and our words. May we return to our home with hearts of peace to be able to be instruments of peace and love,living like Jesus, building his kingdom in our homes to the glory of his name.

Rev. Dr. Michael W. Davis

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