The Spirit of True Worship

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  :First Week: Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:20-26*

*First Reading : Ez 18:21-28*

*The Spirit of True Worship*

*1) The Spirit of Reconciliation*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the spirit of true worship 

In this context, the Gospel highlights, the aspect of reconciliation is one of the best ways of true worship 

Reconciliation, repairs our relationship with others, with God and with oneself 

Without a proper relationship, one can't develop a true spirit of Worship 

*2) Restoration of the Relationship*

The Gospel also speaks about the restoration of the relationship 

One of the things which breaks our relationship is the Anger. So Jesus warns about the evil effects about the Anger 

Anger, breaks our relationship, it makes instigates to call another person as  fool, it takes revenge on another and finally destroys oneself 

So one should be careful with regard to anger and see the dangers of destroying the sacredness of relationship

*3) Gifts on the Altar*

Jesus also warns about the hypocrisy in the Worship 

Keeping anger in the mind and heart, and coming to the altar to offer something to God becumes useless 

Doing all kinds of injustice, cheating, duping others and finally coming to the altar to offer something is the highest form of hypocrisy 

It goes not only against the true spirit of worship, but also it becomes a mokery of worship 

*4) Disputes to the Court*

This goes against the true spirit of Worship 

Before it goes into the court one must be able to settle. 

Going to the court indicates some kind of irregularities, lack of reconciliation, lack of respect, and the arrogance

One must try to solve immediately disputes and other issues

It goes along with the true spirit of worship

*5) My Spirit of Worship?*

How about my way of Worship? 

Is it for the name sake? 

Is it the way to show the external piety 

Am I playing the duel role? 

I come across to God in worship as I come to the neighbour who is in need 

True worship is not only limited to the four walls of the Church 

The spirit of true worship is seen in the genuine relationship with Neighbor, which reflects my relationship with God 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*