“…Leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:24).
There is a legal principle that forms part of the law of equity, which is called the “clean hand’ principle.
The “clean hand” principle is based on the doctrine of equity that states, “who comes into equity must come with clean hands.” Under this principle, the courts will deny a party relief under equity if that party has violated good faith with respect to the subject of the claim. In other words, the “clean hand” principle means that if a person wishes to have justice served by the court, they must first act in a just manner – for if they themselves are guilty of injustice, the court will not help them to achieve justice, even if the other party has behaved unjustly.
And I have been reflecting on that principle as I reflect on the directions we receive from God.
You see, God has told us, over and over, firstly in Sacred Scripture, and later in private revelations to the Saints (including most particularly Christ’s private revelations to Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska), that we must be merciful as He is merciful…
Christ tells us, “I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven… if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:20-24). In other words – come to the altar with “clean hands” – in praying for mercy, come to God with mercy…
Saint Paul said, “whoever eats the Bread or drinks the Cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the Body and Blood of the Lord… anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the Body eats and drinks judgement upon himself.” (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). And I have been reflecting on that judgement upon myself – for Christ taught us to say, when we pray, “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.” (Matthew 6:12). In other words – come to the altar with “clean hands” – in begging forgiveness for my sins, I must first forgive others their sins…
The Emperor Theodosius crushed a revolt in Thessalonica in 390AD, by killing seven thousand people without trial – innocent and guilty alike. The ancient historian Theodoret explained that later, the emperor wished to enter the cathedral in Milan to attend Mass. However, the bishop, who was Saint Ambrose, rebuked the emperor and refused to allow him to attend Mass until he repented and did penance for his sin. The historian Theodoret explained that Theodosius “had been brought up according to divine words and understood well” and so he could do nothing but return “weeping and sighing” to the palace.
And as I consider the principle of “clean hand” today, I wonder if I display any evidence of my having been “brought up according to the divine words”, I wonder do I return “weeping and sighing” or am I still too consumed by my own pride to ever give a thought to my hands… How much offence have I caused my God because I never bothered to wonder about whether or not I have “clean hands”?
For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.
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