Following Jesus means walking the narrow path. Today’s Gospel presents a difficult path: dealing with conflict openly, honestly, prayerfully, and with dignity and discretion. I think of an uneasy friendship that has become a thorn in my side and a source of shame. What began years ago with a hurtful comment slowly deepened as wounds were allowed to fester. Had I addressed the hurt at the beginning, it may have been healed. Instead, over time, it became a mountain of resentment. Yet this unresolved bitterness has robbed me of peace. In today’s first reading, we hear of the presence of God leaving the temple because of idolatry. My idolatry is placing my pride and wounded feelings above God. When I cling to hurt instead of surrendering it to him, I lose my peace, become burdened with shame, and lose sight of his presence. Jesus invites us to deal with conflict his way. When we seek reconciliation and truth, he is present and ready to intervene with his grace and healing.

PRAYER: Abba Father, give me the grace to reach out to those who hurt me. Amen.