Good Shepherd Collective sings, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’. As you enter prayer today, notice if anything is distracting you, or holding you back. Lay it at the feet of Jesus. You might like to use the music as a tool to help you stay in the here and now with God...

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty

Glory to the Father, Amen

Alleluia, alleluia

Alleluia, alleluia

Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea;

Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.

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 that it was 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.

This is one of those scripture passages that can stir many kinds of reactions and emotions within us. Take a moment to notice what is around for you after hearing it.

We hear the gravity of what can lie in our hearts; it is not enough to avoid the act of murder, because seething, resentful thoughts are also harmful. Jesus calls us to a higher standard. Today’s teaching is showing us how important it is to resist those seeds of hatred that will destroy relationships, community and the concord of our own soul. Jesus does not want that for us. We can also see why we need Jesus!

It wouldn't be right either to conclude that there is no place for any kind of anger in our lives. Anger is an emotion, and emotions are a part of what makes us human. Anger is often a legitimate response to injustice. Jesus was quite capable of that himself. It can even be channelled into courageous, prophetic witness, such as the turning over of the tables in the Temple. Let us discern whether the anger we experience is taking us towards the Kingdom of God, or in a very different direction.

Listen to Jesus again and catch the passion and the flourish of his teaching. Be in the crowd as he really goes for it . . .

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 that it was 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.

If there is someone you are very angry at, take a moment to admit it. Take how you feel to Jesus now. He will understand . . .

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