Today is Friday the 26 February, in the first week of Lent.

The Porter’s Gate sing,‘Blessed are the Merciful’.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matt 5:20-26

‘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.

What’s your first reaction to these challenging words from Jesus?

Jesus suggests that mending bridges with someone you’ve fallen out with takes precedence over offering gifts to God. How might your life have to change if you took these words seriously?

Listen as the passage is read again, while thinking of the person you find most difficult in your life just now.

Speak to God about what you’ve heard here. Perhaps you’ve been moved to ask for the gift of reconciliation with another person.