Leslie Jordan with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Good to Me’. As you listen, reflect on the ways you have experienced the goodness of God over the years.

I can taste the sweetness of Your mercy

But I feel the sting of grief still in my chest

Not sure I've known the one without the other

So I will cling to the belief I know the best

You have been

You will be

You are so good to me

I reach out my hand in hopes You hold on

But time and time again find empty space

So I will keep open though they're shaking

And call to mind the time I felt the grip of grace

You have been

You will be

You are still here with me

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 5:43-48

‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Jesus acted out these commands in his life and at his death, yet he was the son of God. Can he really mean us to try to live like this? How can we even imagine being perfect as God is perfect?

Jesus makes the point that God doesn’t only do good to us when we are good. We are constantly receiving grace when we don’t deserve it. He invites us to go beyond the boundaries of good sense and to imitate the undeserved goodness of God. What are your reactions to such an idea?

As the reading is repeated, notice what words or ideas stay with you and why. Which words stay with you in the particular circumstances of your life?

Matthew 5:43-48

‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Jesus’ whole teaching here is that God’s kingdom takes us way beyond the limits of polite behaviour or vague benevolence. He invites us to be ‘revolutionaries of tenderness’. Take time to respond to this invitation from your heart.

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