for 26 Feb 2026, Friday of the 1st Week of Lent.
Jesus raises the bar on what it means to be truly holy. It is not enough to simply follow the rules or maintain an image of external righteousness like the Scribes and Pharisees. Jesus calls us to a deeper, internal conversion—one that addresses the anger in our hearts before it ever becomes an action.
In this reflection, Fr. Scott explores the difficult command to "leave your gift at the altar" and seek reconciliation first. But what happens when the other person isn't ready to forgive? Fr. Scott offers practical spiritual advice on how to handle unresolved conflict through prayer and how to stop settling for being "externally good enough."
**🙏 Key Takeaways:**
* **Internal vs. External:** Why following the law isn't enough for the Kingdom of Heaven.
* **The Danger of Anger:** How holding onto resentment damages our relationship with God.
* **Reconciliation:** The priority of making peace before offering prayer.
* **The Power of Prayer:** What to do when reconciliation seems impossible.
**Video Chapters:**
* **0:00** - Introduction: A Challenging Gospel
* **0:30** - The Problem with "Surface" Holiness
* **0:50** - Jesus on Anger: It Starts in the Heart
* **1:13** - Leave Your Gift: The Command to Reconcile
* **2:22** - What If They Won't Forgive You?
* **3:05** - Don't Settle for "Good Enough"
* **3:40** - Closing Blessing
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#Lent #CatholicReflection #AWordOfHope #FrScott #SermonOnTheMount #Forgiveness #Reconciliation #DailyGospel #Christianity #InternalConversion #FaithInAction #LentenJourney