The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing In Thy Kingdom from One Thousand Years Of Ukrainian Sacred Music.

(Lyrics currently unavailable)

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 5:20-26

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

‘You have heard it said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms 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. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

In today’s reading Jesus is teaching about the importance of being reconciled with those around us, those who are our brothers and sisters, before coming to the altar with our gift. Perhaps for us it would be our tithe, or approaching God in prayer.

Who do you recognise as the brothers and sisters in your life? Family, neighbours, our church community, others perhaps? Let these people come to mind as we recall Jesus’s commandment to, ‘Love one another.’

As you think of these, does anyone come to mind who you are perhaps angry with? Or someone who is accusing you of something… or maybe where you sense a relationship is not at peace?

As you pray, picture yourself with this person or these people before the Lord right now…

Ask the Lord how you might begin to reconcile with them.

Take a moment to listen to the Lord about this issue.

As you listen to the reading again, notice the serious tone of Jesus’s words.

As you come to the end of this time of prayer, talk with the Lord about your willingness or struggles to continue in your relationships with your brothers and sisters.

What might the Lord desire to challenge or change to bring healing?

Spend these final moments in prayer, listening with an open heart.

You have given all to me,

To You, Lord, I return it.

Everything is Yours,

Do with it what you will.

Give me only Your love and Your grace.

That is enough for me.

Amen.