Davy, with the Porter’s Gate, sings Psalm 5.

Listen, God! Please, pay attention!

Can you make sense of all my groans and cries?

Listen, God! I need your help.

Every morning you’ll hear me at it again.

Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar.

Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar,

And watch for fire to descend.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 7:1-5

‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.

In today’s passage, we may begin by reflecting on how we hear Jesus’ voice as he speaks to the crowd, as he speaks to you. How do you feel as you hear these words? Perhaps you sense both challenge and compassion in his voice?

Take a moment to consider how this attitude might affect your relationships, your peace?

What “logs” might Jesus be lovingly drawing your attention to? How may you bring these to him for healing?

As you listen to the passage again, ask for the grace to be gentle with others and the humility to know your own heart.

Matthew 7:1-5

‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.

“Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?”

Take a moment in this time of prayer to speak honestly with Jesus, opening your heart to him, trusting in his love.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen