Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Holy Qurbana: Table of Reconciliation

Bible Reading:  St Mathew 5:23-26

Key verse:  24b

24 b First go and be reconciled to them: then come and offer your gift.

DEVOTION

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explains that He is the fulfillment of the Law. The Law was never meant to trap people in their own limited strength; rather, it reveals our complete dependence on God. In Matthew, Jesus sets a standard that no human being can fully meet on their own. Through this, He teaches His disciples that obedience is possible only through dependence on the Spirit of God. Jesus calls His followers to obey His commandments fully, yet He also knows the weakness of human nature. Therefore, He gives us His Spirit to strengthen, empower, and guide us forward in our lives.
In this passage, Jesus teaches a profound lesson about reconciliation and compassion. He says that if we come to offer our gift at the altar while carrying hatred, bitterness, or unresolved conflict toward a fellow believer, our offering is incomplete. Before bringing the gift, we must first go and be reconciled with our brother or sister, and then return to worship.
The Lord’s Table and Reconciliation
We have heard this teaching many times from the pulpit, but the real question is how faithfully we practice it in daily life. The Lord’s Table is a table of reconciliation. If we partake in His body and blood without understanding His call to forgiveness, unity, and obedience, we risk treating this sacred act lightly.
Questions for Self-Examination
Are we willing to settle our differences with those who have hurt us?
Are we simply pretending that all is well while approaching the communion table?
Is there someone we have hurt and need to approach with humility?
Is there someone we have refused to forgive?
Is there a broken relationship that needs to be mended?
Before we take part in the next communion, let us pause and examine our hearts. The first step of obedience may be an apology, an act of forgiveness, a gesture of kindness, or a sincere effort to seek peace. When we obey Christ in this way, God brings peace to our hearts and healing to our souls.
Let us remember that Christ reconciled us to God while we were still sinners, through His voluntary sacrifice on the cross.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, search our hearts and reveal every broken relationship that needs healing. Make our hearts worthy vessels to take part in Your table. Amen.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Before we reach out our hands to receive communion, let us first reach out our hearts in forgiveness and reconciliation.

 
Annie Jose
The Mar Thoma Church Staten island

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