Transforming Our Hearts
Friday of the First Week of Lent
Matthew 5:20–26
Jesus speaks to us today in a very personal and loving way. He tells us that following him is not only about doing the right things on the outside, but about allowing our hearts to be transformed on the inside. “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees,” Jesus says, “you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” This can sound challenging, even heavy—but Jesus is not trying to discourage us. Jesus is inviting us into deeper freedom and deeper love.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus focuses on anger, resentment, and broken relationships. He reminds us that hurtful words, silent grudges, and unresolved conflicts matter. They matter because they affect our hearts and our relationships, and because God cares deeply about how we treat one another. Worship and prayer are important, but Jesus gently tells us that reconciliation is also holy work. Making peace is part of loving God.
Lent is a season of the heart. It is a time to look honestly at what we carry inside—anger we’ve held onto, words we wish we could take back, relationships that need healing. Jesus does not ask us to be perfect. He asks us to be willing—willing to pause, to reflect, to seek forgiveness, and to take the first small step toward reconciliation.
This Gospel is not about fear or punishment. It is about transformation. It's about aligning our heart with God's heart. When we choose mercy over resentment, humility over pride, and reconciliation over separation, we begin to live the life Jesus dreams for us. Even small acts—an apology, a kind word, a decision to let go—can open the door to great grace.
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us ask the Lord to soften our hearts. May this season help us love more deeply, forgive more freely, and live more peacefully with one another.
You are invited to reflect today about whether there is a relationship in your life that God may be inviting you to heal or address during this Lenten season? What feelings or attitudes in your heart might be preventing you from experiencing deeper peace and freedom?
Loving God,
You know my heart better than I know it myself.
During this Lenten season,
help me to release anger, heal old wounds,
and seek reconciliation with courage and humility.
Create in me a heart that is gentle,
forgiving, and open to your grace.
May my life reflect your love
in all that I say and do.
Amen.