Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Friday 20 June 2025Today is Friday the 20th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time.    The community of Taizé sing C’est toi, ma lampe, Seigneur.  “O Lord, you are my lamp.  My God, enlighten my darkness”    Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.    Matthew 6:19-23  ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!  Jesus tells us that our heart will be wherever our treasure is. It’s a challenging observation that invites us to consider what we have really set our heart on.  As honestly as you can, are you able to give an answer to that question?    Jesus goes on to talk about what we can truly see, what our real outlook on life is. There is invitation in his words but also challenge. How do you respond to both the invitation and the challenge?    As the reading is repeated, what strikes or stays with you? Where are your thoughts taking you at this time and why?  Matthew 6:19-23  ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!  In light of what Jesus says, and of where your thoughts have led, what do you want to say to him right now? Have courage to speak to him 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 

Thursday 19 June 2025Today is Thursday the 19th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time.    Juliano Ravanello sings ‘Pater Noster’, the Our Father. As you listen to this twice through, you might like to pray the Lord’s Prayer in your own language.     Pater noster qui es in coelis,  sanctificetur nomen tuum;  adveniat regnum tuum,  fiat voluntas tua,  sicut in coelo et in terra.  Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie,  et dimitte nobis debita nostra,  sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris.  et ne nos inducas in tentationem  sed libera nos a malo.  Our Father, who art in heaven,  hallowed be thy name;  thy kingdom come,  thy will be done,  on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day, our daily bread,  and forgive us our trespasses  as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from evil.    2:55  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.    Matthew 6:7-15  ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  ‘Pray then in this way: 
 Our Father in heaven, 
   hallowed be your name. 
   Your kingdom come. 
   Your will be done, 
     on earth as it is in heaven. 
   Give us this day our daily bread. 
   And forgive us our debts, 
     as we also have forgiven our debtors. 
   And do not bring us to the time of trial, 
     but rescue us from the evil one. 
 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.    Jesus’ disciples ask him to teach them to pray, and this is his teaching for every one of us who follow him.  The words are so familiar, but does something particular strike you today?    Jesus’ prayer encapsulates so much of his teaching: God as loving Father, the kingdom according to God’s will, not our own, dependence on God and forgiveness. What seems most important to you here and why?    As you hear the reading repeated, try to hear Jesus’ words as if for the first time. Is there anything particular that stays with you and strikes your mind or heart in a new way?  Matthew 6:7-15  ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  ‘Pray then in this way: 
 Our Father in heaven, 
   hallowed be your name. 
   Your kingdom come. 
   Your will be done, 
     on earth as it is in heaven. 
   Give us this day our daily bread. 
   And forgive us our debts, 
     as we also have forgiven our debtors. 
   And do not bring us to the time of trial, 
     but rescue us from the evil one. 
 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.    Take time, in light of this very familiar prayer, to speak to God with your own words and from the heart of your own thoughts and feelings.  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 

Wednesday 18 June 2025Today is Wednesday the 18th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time.    Molly Parden with Bifrost Arts sings ‘Psalm 126’.     Our mouths they were filled, filled with laughter  Our tongues they were loosed, loosed with joy  Restore us, O Lord  Restore us, O Lord  Although we are weeping  Lord, help us keep sowing  The seeds of Your Kingdom  For the day You will reap them  Your sheaves we will carry  Lord, please do not tarry  All those who sow weeping will go out with songs of joy  The nations will say, "He has done great things!"  The nations will sing songs of joy  Restore us, O Lord  Restore us, O Lord Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians.    2 Corinthians 9:6-11  The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, 
 ‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; 
   his righteousness endures for ever.’ 
 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.  Paul’s teaching on almsgiving echoes that of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel. When we imitate God’s generosity to us, we act in trust that God will supply our needs. What would it take for you to be that generous and that trusting?    Paul makes the point about giving from the heart, as a ‘cheerful giver’. Reluctant generosity is no generosity at all. Can you remember a time when you have been inspired to give cheerfully? Or when it felt too costly?    As the reading is repeated, notice what strikes your heart or takes your thoughts in a particular direction.  What is it and why does it do that?  2 Corinthians 9:6-11  The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, 
 ‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; 
   his righteousness endures for ever.’ 
 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.  Thinking about what Paul calls ‘the harvest of your righteousness’, what do you find yourself wanting to say to God?  Take time to speak and to listen to God’s response.  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 

Tuesday 17 June 2025Today is Tuesday the 17th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. 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

Tuesday 17 June 2025Today is Tuesday the 17th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time.    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 

Monday 16 June 2025Today is Monday the 16th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. The University of Johannesburg Choir sing the Kyrie: Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness. As you listen, you might like to think for a moment about your own need for that forgiveness, and the need to show that same forgiveness to others. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:38-42 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. In a world of pre-emptive strikes and counter attacks Jesus’s words might seem impossibly naïve and optimistic, an invitation to become everyone’s doormat. Does he really mean what he says? How is it possible to be that generous and survive in the world as it is? The Mosaic principle that Jesus contradicts in fact limits retaliation to a fair measure, but Jesus is not satisfied with simple justice. His measure is that of God’s generosity towards us. God is willing to give whatever it takes to win us over. How does it feel to think of this? As we listen to the reading again, notice your feelings as God’s generosity is spelled out. Stay with your feelings, whatever they are, noticing where they come from and are leading you to. Matthew 5:38-42 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. In the face of this astonishing reading, is there something you want to say to God? Whatever your response may be, take time to speak 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

Sunday 15 June 2025Today is Sunday the 15th of June, the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, beginning the 11th week of Ordinary Time. Bifrost Arts sing, ‘Wisdom and Grace’. Teach us to number our days That we may apply our hearts to Your ways O! Teach us to number our days with wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace. Wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace You've been our home and our dwelling our place in all generations. Before the earth or the mountains were formed, Lord, You were God. Teach us to number our days That we may apply our hearts to Your ways O! Teach us to number our days with wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace. Wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace Now the span of our lives, It is made of sorrow and labour As the days pass away like the grass How soon we are gone. Teach us to number our days That we may apply our hearts to Your ways O! Teach us to number our days with wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace. Wisdom and grace Let the work of our hands bring you praise, set Your favour upon us. O establish the work of our hands, May Your kingdom come! Teach us to number our days That we may apply our hearts to Your ways O! Teach us to number our days with wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace. Wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace Today’s reading is from the Book of Proverbs. This reading is about Wisdom as an expression of God’s nature, a dimension of who God is, depending on your translation - a creation or possession of God. Comparison has been made between Wisdom and Jesus. As you listen, where does this make sense, or indeed, not quite work for you? Proverbs 8:22-31 The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth— when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world’s first bits of soil. When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race. Today is Trinity Sunday. We contemplate the mystery of God as loving relationship between Persons. I wonder what your names for God are? How do you understand or experience each of the three Persons? Try this exercise (which can even be written down): as each Person is named, speak aloud (if alone) or whisper (if in company), or write down your particular names for that Person. Feel free to embellish those words as seems fitting to you. (If you need more time for this, make it). The First Person of the Trinity . . . . . . The Second Person . . . . . . The Third Person . . . . . . Now listen again to this passage about Wisdom with and in God. Catch the delight of the Persons of the Trinity in the goodness of creation. Proverbs 8:22-31 The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth— when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world’s first bits of soil. When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race. Can you imagine Jesus and the Holy Spirit together with God the Creator and doing this: “Rejoicing in the inhabited world and delighting in the human race.”? Watch them rejoicing and delighting in the world, and in you . . . 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

Saturday 14 June 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen. This weekend we celebrate Trinity Sunday – God in relationship of love between three Persons. As you look back over the week or a longer period, ask yourself the following questions . . . When have you shared in the creativity of God the Creator? . . . How have you been as Christ to someone else? . . . When did you dance with the Holy Spirit? . . . And also ask yourself: when did you neglect to care for God’s creation? . . . How have you fallen short of the call to be like Christ? . . . When did you resist the Spirit’s offer of grace? . . . How does the Trinity want to come close to you now? . . . Let them, and be together a while . . . 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

Friday 13 June 2025Today is Friday the 13th of June, the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. ‘Wherever love is true, God is there.’ Reflect on the people who will be around you today. Picture their faces. Think of the lives they lead: their work, their worries, their passions, their loves. God is present in there: the God who is love. Present, living, dwelling in every one of these people, and in you. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur. Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur: Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus. Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites. Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus. Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est. Simul quoque cum beatis videamus, Glorianter vultum tuum, Christe Deus: Gaudium quod est immensum, atque probum, Saecula per infinita saeculorum. Amen. Where love is true, God is there. Love of Christ has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice in Him and be glad. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love one. Where love is true, God is there. At the same time, therefore, are gathered into one: Lest we be divided in mind, let us beware. Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease. And in the midst of us be Christ our God. Where love is true, God is there. At the same time we see that with the saints also, Thy face in glory, O Christ our God: The joy that is immense and good, Unto the World without end. Amen. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—‘I believed, and so I spoke’—we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. If sometimes you feel afflicted, perplexed, persecuted or struck down, well, you’re in good company. Paul seems to think that there is nothing unusual about any of these states. Life, including Christian life, is often hard! We don’t need to pretend otherwise. And you already know that this has been the case for you. Yet, our struggles are never pointless, and we need never despair. God is always at work for good. It is the same God and the same good that brings about the resurrection of Jesus. We are caught up in the same salvific work of God in Christ. You might feel like a clay jar. Nevertheless, there is treasure in you and God knows it is there. Consider that for a moment . . . Listen to Paul again. He really knows what he’s talking about here. 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—‘I believed, and so I spoke’—we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. What’s the particular treasure – a treasure within you and your life – that God is showing you at the moment? . . . look at it together and, well, treasure it! 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

Thursday 12 June 2025Today is Thursday the 12th of June, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. 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