MATTHEW 5:21-26
TEACHING ABOUT ANGER
INTRODUCTION
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers profound teachings that deepen the moral understanding of the Mosaic Law, particularly in Matthew 5:21-26, where He expands on the commandment “You shall not kill.” Jesus challenges His followers to go beyond mere external adherence to the law by addressing the root causes of violence – anger and contempt. He emphasizes that harboring anger or expressing disdain towards others are serious offenses that lead to spiritual and moral consequences, equating them with the gravity of murder itself. This teaching underscores that true righteousness involves not just outward compliance but a transformation of the heart, urging believers to examine their inner dispositions and intentions.
Furthermore, Jesus highlights the importance of reconciliation as an integral part of living a righteous life. He teaches that unresolved anger and broken relationships hinder one’s spiritual life and worship, stressing that reconciliation should be a priority even over ritualistic worship. Jesus advises that if one remembers a grievance with a brother while offering a gift at the altar, they should first seek reconciliation before proceeding with their offering. By advocating for quick reconciliation and urging His followers to settle disputes before they escalate, Jesus calls for a community founded on mutual respect, forgiveness, and love. This passage challenges believers to cultivate a heart of reconciliation and peace, reflecting their commitment to God’s will.
Matthew 5:21 “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.’”
In this passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins a series of teachings where He contrasts the traditional Jewish understanding of the Law with His deeper, more spiritual interpretation. This verse reflects one of the six examples Jesus gives, where He emphasizes the importance of inner righteousness over mere external compliance with the Law. The commandment Jesus refers to is “You shall not murder,” which was originally given in the Decalogue (Ex 20:13). However, Jesus’ interpretation extends beyond the literal act of murder to address the root cause – anger.
The Deeper Meaning Behind the Commandment
The Jewish audience that Jesus addressed was familiar with the laws handed down from their ancestors, largely communicated through oral tradition by the Scribes and Pharisees. However, over time, these practices had strayed from God’s original intentions. Jesus’ teachings aimed to restore these intentions by focusing on the internal dispositions and intentions behind actions rather than just the actions themselves.
The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus was not abolishing the Old Law but rather fulfilling and perfecting it (Mt 5:17). The Catechism of the Catholic Church clarifies that Jesus’ teachings call for a transformation of the heart, emphasizing that sin begins not only with actions but also with thoughts and feelings (CCC 1968, 1853).
Anger as the Root of Sin
Jesus challenges the conventional understanding by equating harboring anger with the act of murder itself. The Church Fathers, like St. Augustine, explained that this teaching emphasizes the seriousness of internal attitudes such as anger, hatred, and contempt, which, if left unchecked, can lead to grave sins (CCC 2302-2303).
This deeper interpretation calls believers to reflect not only on their external actions but also on their inner lives. Anger, while it may seem less harmful than physical violence, is dangerous because it disrupts peace and unity, both within the individual and in the broader community. Thus, Jesus invites His followers to root out anger, replacing it with love, mercy, and reconciliation.
Catholic Teachings on the Sanctity of Life
The Catholic Church upholds the sanctity of life from conception until natural death, emphasizing that only God has the authority over life and death (CCC 2258). This belief extends to several moral teachings:
1. Legitimate Defense: The Church acknowledges the right to self-defense but emphasizes that any violence used must be proportionate (CCC 2264).
2. Capital Punishment: The Church, guided by the Gospel, teaches that the death penalty is inadmissible as it attacks the inviolability and dignity of the person (CCC 2267).
3. Intentional Homicide: The fifth commandment forbids direct and intentional killing, considering it gravely sinful (CCC 2268-2269).
4. Abortion: Human life must be respected and protected from the moment of conception (CCC 2270).
5. Euthanasia: Direct euthanasia is morally unacceptable as it deliberately ends the life of a sick or dying person (CCC 2277).
6. Suicide: Suicide contradicts the natural inclination to preserve life and disrupts the obligations of love toward oneself and others (CCC 2281).
Reflection
Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:21 challenge us to examine our hearts deeply. Avoiding physical violence is not enough; we must also address the anger and resentment that can dwell within us. These emotions, though seemingly insignificant, can sow discord and lead to more serious sins. True discipleship requires us to strive for a purity of heart, seeking to reconcile with those we may have wronged and fostering peace in our relationships.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts burdened by anger and resentment. We ask for Your grace to cleanse our hearts of these negative emotions. Help us to see each person through Your eyes of love and compassion. Teach us to respond with patience and kindness, even in difficult situations.
Lord, we seek Your forgiveness for any hurtful words or actions we have committed in anger. Heal the wounds we have caused and mend the relationships we have damaged. Fill us with Your peace and make us instruments of Your reconciliation.
May Your Holy Spirit guide us in cultivating self-control and the ability to respond with grace. Let Your perfect love cast out all anger and bitterness from our hearts. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 5:22 “But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.”
In Matthew 5:22, Jesus offers a profound teaching that extends beyond the literal interpretation of the commandments given in the Old Testament. He moves the focus from the external observance of the law to the internal dispositions of the heart.
The Authority of Jesus’ Teaching
Unlike the prophets and scribes who prefaced their teachings with “Thus says the LORD,” Jesus speaks with direct authority, saying, “I say to you.” This distinction highlights His divine authority as the Son of God, speaking not merely as a messenger but as God Himself. His listeners recognized this unique authority, as noted at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount: “When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.” (Mt 7:28-29).
Anger and Its Implications
The Jewish judiciary traditionally focused on the act of murder, but Jesus redirects attention to the emotions and intentions that lead to such acts. He identifies anger as the root of murder, suggesting that even harboring anger against another person makes one liable to judgment. There are two types of anger mentioned in the Scriptures: a quick, fleeting anger (thumos in Greek), and a deep-seated, enduring anger (orge in Greek). The latter is more dangerous as it can lead to revenge and other harmful actions. Jesus warns that this kind of sustained anger is sinful and must be avoided.
St. Paul echoes this sentiment in Ephesians 4:26: “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger.” Jesus Himself displayed righteous anger against sin, such as when He condemned the hypocrisy of the Pharisees (Mk 3:5) and cleansed the Temple (Jn 2:14-16). However, His anger was directed at sin and injustice, not at individuals out of hatred. Christians are called to avoid nurturing anger that can lead to hatred and spiritual harm. The Apostle John reinforces this by stating: “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.” (1 Jn 3:15).
The Seriousness of Insulting Language
Jesus further addresses the issue of verbal abuse, equating it with serious sin. He mentions the term “Raqa,” an Aramaic insult meaning “brainless” or “worthless,” which would make the speaker liable to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council. This shows that contemptuous language is not merely offensive but can be spiritually damaging. Jesus warns that careless words can lead to severe consequences, as seen in His statement: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will render an account for every careless word they speak.” (Mt 12:36).
In a similar vein, calling someone a “fool” in the Biblical sense – implying they are morally and spiritually corrupt – makes one liable to “fiery Gehenna.” In the Bible, a fool is someone who denies God and lives a sinful life, as reflected in Psalm 14:1: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ Their deeds are loathsome and corrupt; not one does what is good.” Such an accusation is akin to character assassination and can lead to eternal punishment in hell.
The Concept of Fiery Gehenna
“Fiery Gehenna” is a metaphor for the eternal punishment awaiting the unrepentant sinner. Gehenna, a valley southwest of Jerusalem, was historically associated with idolatrous practices and child sacrifices, making it a cursed place. Later, it became a waste disposal site where refuse and the bodies of criminals were burned, symbolizing everlasting destruction. Jesus uses this imagery to convey the severity of the consequences for those who harbor anger, insult others, or demean their spiritual integrity.
Catholic Interpretation and Reflection
In the Catholic tradition, Matthew 5:22 serves as a reminder that sin begins in the heart. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that anger, when it seeks to harm another, is a grave sin (CCC 2302). Insults and contemptuous language are likewise serious, as they undermine the dignity of others, who are made in the image of God (Gen 1:27). The passage calls for an examination of our thoughts, emotions, and words, encouraging us to seek reconciliation and to act with compassion and humility.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You have taught us through Your Son, Jesus, the importance of love and forgiveness. Help us to recognize the seeds of anger in our hearts and to uproot them with Your grace. May we speak words that heal and build up rather than harm and destroy. Grant us the wisdom to seek reconciliation and the strength to forgive those who have wronged us. Fill us with Your peace, so that we may become instruments of Your love in the world. Amen.
Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Context and Meaning
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes the importance of internal righteousness over mere external observance of the Law. Matthew 5:23-24 is a part of this discourse where Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of love and reconciliation. He teaches that reconciliation with others is a prerequisite for true worship. Before offering a gift at the altar – a symbolic act of worship and devotion – one must first be at peace with others. This reflects the biblical principle that love of God and love of neighbor are inseparable (Mt 22:37-40). Without reconciling with our brothers and sisters, our worship becomes hollow (cf. Isa 1:11-17; Am 5:21-24).
The Tradition of Offering Gifts
God instructed through Moses that all males must appear before Him at specific feasts with offerings proportional to the blessings they received (Deut 16:17). The Israelites had the custom of bringing offerings when they approached God for worship, as reminded in Proverbs 3:9-10, “Honour the LORD with your wealth, with first fruits of all your produce.” These offerings supported the maintenance of the Tabernacle and Temple, the Levites, and the poor (Deut 14:28-29).
During this process of offering, people had the opportunity to reflect on their deeds and relationships. Even if they believed they had nothing against another, if they recalled that someone else held a grievance against them, they were required to resolve it before making their sacrifice. Jesus builds on this tradition by teaching that reconciliation is necessary before approaching God in worship.
Reconciliation Over Ritual
Jesus prioritizes reconciliation with others over ritualistic worship, aligning with the prophetic tradition that God values mercy and justice over mere sacrifices (Hos 6:6, Am 5:21-24). The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes that the Eucharist and other sacraments require a heart free from serious sin and in a state of grace (CCC 1385). Reconciliation is not only a moral obligation but also a spiritual necessity to maintain a proper relationship with God.
The Altar and the Sacrament of Reconciliation
For Catholics, the “altar” in this passage can be seen as a prefigurement of the Eucharistic celebration, where the faithful offer themselves along with Christ’s sacrifice. The Eucharist is considered the “source and summit” of Christian life (CCC 1324). However, Jesus teaches that this sacred act must be approached with a heart free from resentment and division. The Church encourages the faithful to seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving the Eucharist if they are conscious of grave sin. This sacrament restores communion with God and with the Church (CCC 1440, 1468).
Forgiveness and the Kingdom of God
Jesus’ instruction also reflects the values of the Kingdom of God, where relationships are marked by mercy, forgiveness, and love (Mt 6:14-15; Ephs 4:32). By reconciling with others, Christians live out the Beatitudes, particularly the call to be peacemakers (Mt 5:9). This call to reconciliation is rooted in the understanding that God has first reconciled us to Himself through Christ (2 Cor 5:18-20).
Reflection
Jesus’ words challenge us to examine our relationships with others. Are there unresolved conflicts or grudges we hold? Our faith calls us to seek peace and reconciliation, even when it is difficult. This process of making peace with our brothers and sisters is not just a moral obligation but an integral part of our relationship with God. As we approach the altar, whether physically in the Eucharistic celebration or spiritually in prayer, let us first seek to be at peace with those around us. In doing so, we reflect the love and mercy of Christ in our lives, making our worship authentic and pleasing to God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to seek reconciliation with those we have wronged or who have wronged us. Cleanse our hearts of anger, resentment, and bitterness, that we may approach You with a pure heart. May our worship be a true reflection of our love for You and for our neighbor. Help us to be instruments of Your peace, spreading love and forgiveness wherever we go. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 5:25 “Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.”
In this verse, Jesus transitions from a Temple setting to a law court, using the imagery of a legal dispute to teach a profound spiritual lesson. The “accuser” represents someone with whom we have a conflict or unresolved grievance. Jesus emphasizes the urgency of reconciliation, warning that if we delay, the opportunity for making peace may pass, and we could face severe consequences.
The presumption here is that a judge has summoned a culprit and his opponent to court. If the culprit does not settle the matter out of court, he risks being handed over to the judge, who could then order his imprisonment. The teaching here is clear: act swiftly to reconcile before it is too late. This urgency is not just about avoiding legal trouble but serves as a metaphor for our spiritual lives, where time is limited, and we do not know when God will call us to account.
Spiritual Application: The Divine Judge
In Catholic teaching, this passage is often interpreted as an allegory for purgatory and the final judgment. The “judge” represents God, who is just and omniscient. The “prison” symbolizes purgatory – a state where souls are purified before entering heaven. The “accuser” can also be seen as our own conscience or the unresolved sins that weigh against us. Jesus’ teaching here stresses that we must reconcile with our adversaries and make amends while we still have time on this earth. Once we face God’s judgment, our chance for reconciliation will have passed, and we will be judged based on our deeds.
The prison guard, in this spiritual context, represents the angels who execute divine judgment. The imprisonment Jesus refers to is the consequence of failing to address our sins and reconcile with those we have wronged. The Catholic Church teaches that while sins can be forgiven, they often require purification, which is why purgatory exists as a temporary state where souls atone for their sins before entering the fullness of God’s presence.
The Call to Reconciliation
The urgency of Jesus’ command to “settle with your opponent quickly” is a call to live a life of constant reconciliation and repentance. It highlights the importance of resolving conflicts and seeking forgiveness, not only to maintain peace with others but also to prepare ourselves spiritually. The metaphor of “paying the last penny” serves as a reminder that we must address even the smallest of our failings and strive for holiness.
In Catholic teaching, this verse also reflects the Beatitudes, particularly “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Mt 5:9). The Church encourages us to seek reconciliation and make amends with others, following the example of Christ, who came to reconcile humanity with God (2 Cor 5:18-19). The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes this duty in the context of social justice and personal relationships: “Insofar as possible, man should make reparation for injustice committed. Sin also injures and weakens the sinner himself, as well as his relations with God and neighbor” (CCC 1459).
Reflection
Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:25 remind us that our relationships with others are deeply connected to our relationship with God. Holding onto anger or resentment not only harms our relationships but also jeopardizes our spiritual well-being. The urgency of Jesus’ command underscores the importance of resolving conflicts quickly and not letting them fester. As Christians, we are called to be agents of peace and reconciliation in a world often marked by division and strife. This passage challenges us to examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, and offer it to those who have wronged us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to be peacemakers in our daily lives. Help us to reconcile with those we have wronged and to forgive those who have wronged us. May we follow the example of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who showed us the way of love, mercy, and forgiveness. As we strive to live in harmony with others, keep us mindful of the eternal consequences of unresolved conflicts. Guide our hearts to seek peace, so that we may be true children of God, living in the light of Your love. Amen.
Matthew 5:26 “Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses the imagery of a legal dispute to emphasize the importance of reconciliation and the consequences of unresolved sin. Matthew 5:25-26 serves as a stark warning that failing to settle disputes and harboring unresolved conflicts can lead to severe spiritual consequences.
Jesus explains that the guilty person in this allegory does not receive a capital punishment or perpetual imprisonment but is instead condemned to stay in prison until the debt is fully paid. The term of imprisonment depends on the seriousness of the offense. This teaching emphasizes the importance of making amends and reconciling with others before it is too late. The prison represents a temporary state, not an eternal one, suggesting a period of purification rather than a final condemnation.
Spiritual Application: Purgatory and Divine Justice
In Catholic teaching, this passage is often interpreted as an allegory for purgatory. The “prison” symbolizes a temporary state where souls are purified before entering heaven, and the “last penny” represents the final atonement required for minor transgressions or venial sins. The Greek word ‘phulake’ used in this passage is also found in 1 Peter 3:19, where it describes a spiritual holding place, reinforcing this interpretation.
Purgatory, as understood by the Catholic Church, is a merciful expression of God’s justice. It is where souls who have died in a state of grace, but still need to atone for venial sins or temporal punishments due to forgiven mortal sins, undergo purification. This teaching aligns with the idea that before one can enter the fullness of heaven, they must be purified of all lesser sins, as all sin, no matter how minor, must be accounted for in the divine order of justice (CCC 1030-1031, 1472).
The Urgency of Reconciliation
Jesus’ warning in Matthew 5:26 underscores the urgency of reconciliation in our lives. The passage encourages believers to settle disputes quickly, not only to avoid earthly consequences but also to prepare spiritually for the final judgment. Just as the guilty person in the parable must pay the last penny before being released, so too must we reconcile with others and seek God’s forgiveness to avoid spiritual imprisonment.
This teaching is reflected in the Catholic sacrament of confession, where the faithful are called to confess their sins, seek absolution, and perform penance to restore their relationship with God and the Church (CCC 1424). The communal aspect of sin and reconciliation is central to this sacrament, as sin often harms others and disrupts the harmony within the Church community (CCC 1440-1445).
Reflection
Matthew 5:26 challenges us to reflect on the state of our souls and the importance of living in harmony with others. Unresolved anger, grudges, and conflicts not only strain our relationships but also jeopardize our spiritual well-being. Jesus’ teaching calls us to actively seek reconciliation, understanding that our relationships with others are deeply connected to our relationship with God.
In our daily lives, this passage urges us to examine our hearts, seek forgiveness from those we have wronged, and offer forgiveness to those who have wronged us. By doing so, we prepare ourselves for the final judgment and ensure that we are living in accordance with Christ’s teachings on love, mercy, and justice.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to seek reconciliation with those we have wronged and those who have wronged us. Help us to understand the importance of forgiveness and to embrace the sacrament of confession with a contrite heart. May we always strive to live in peace with our brothers and sisters, reflecting Your love and mercy in all our actions. Cleanse us from our sins, and prepare our souls to be in Your presence for eternity. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
CONCLUSION
In Matthew 5:21-26, Jesus teaches us that true righteousness goes beyond merely following the law; it requires a transformation of the heart. He emphasizes that harboring anger and contempt towards others is as dangerous as the act of murder itself, for these emotions can lead to spiritual and moral decay. Jesus calls us to root out these negative emotions and to prioritize reconciliation in our relationships. By doing so, we reflect the love, mercy, and forgiveness that God extends to us, living out our faith in a way that pleases God.
Jesus also underscores the importance of making peace with others before offering our worship to God. Reconciliation is not just a moral obligation but a necessary step in maintaining a right relationship with God. Our worship becomes hollow if we approach God with unresolved anger or broken relationships. Therefore, we are called to actively seek peace, settle disputes quickly, and live in harmony with those around us. In doing so, we prepare our hearts to fully receive God’s grace and to walk in the path of true discipleship.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, cleanse our hearts of anger and resentment. Help us to seek reconciliation with those we have wronged and to forgive those who have wronged us. Grant us the grace to approach You with pure hearts, free from the burdens of unresolved conflicts. May Your peace reign in our hearts and relationships, reflecting Your love and mercy in all we do. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.