The rabbis said, "Do not murder, for anyone who murders will be subject to judgment" (v. 21).

Jesus goes much further: "anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment" (v. 22a). "Anger" here is not thumos, the inevitable human reaction to hurt or harm. Rather, his word is orge--the deliberate choice to continue holding onto your anger, the absolute unwillingness to pardon and move on.

"Raca" was an Aramaic term of contempt, a public insult.

"Fool" was the worst insult of the day, meaning a person of no value or character whatsoever.

Now, you are at the altar in the Temple, sacrifice in hand. In our context, you're just about to put money in the offering plate. In my setting, I'm walking up to the pulpit to begin the sermon. And then I remember that someone has something like this against me. Right or wrong, he thinks I have held onto anger, or insulted or harmed him. If anybody has anything against you today, you qualify.

What do we do? Seek reconciliation. Take the initiative. Do it now, before matters get to the judge and the officer and the jail. It will never be any easier than it is today. Take the high road. Take the first step. Make the phone call. Ask for lunch. Write the note. Do it now.

A wise old saint says, "I will never allow another person to ruin my life by making me hate him." With whom do you need to take the initiative this week? Where do you need to seek reconciliation?