Father Martin told us an interesting story today. When he was in the seminary, there was a deacon who was very arrogant. Father Martin used to pay deference to him in an exaggerated manner and the proud peacock would preen. He didn't know that Father Martin was really making fun of him.
One day, Martin's spiritual director came to his room to talk. He said that the deacon was close to a nervous breakdown because of Martin's behavior towards him. Martin defended himself by saying that that he does nothing disrespectful, on the contrary he has only shown him the most respect. The spiritual director agreed but told Martin that he needed to apologize and become friends.
Apologize? Apologize!
Why? Because of Mathew 5: 24-25.
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, and first be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Note: your brother has anything against you. Not that you have anything against your brother!
It took every ounce of discipline for Father Martin to seek out that deacon and apologize and try to be friends with him.
Why did Martin's spiritual director require him to do this? Broken relationships hinder our relationship with God. Our attitudes towards others reflect our relationship with God.
Father Martin A. Hyatt
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