Thursday 15 June 2023

Today is Thursday the 15th of June, in the 10th week of Ordinary time.

David Gungor with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Have Mercy On Me.’

The goodness of the Lord is the kindness of the Lord
With ev'ry breath we take, the gift of life and grace
The power of the Lord is the meekness of the Lord
Who bore humanity with brave humility
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
The beauty of the Lord is the suff'ring of the Lord
Is Christ upon a tree, stripped of dignity
The glory of the Lord is the mercy of the Lord
Gives life for us to see a new humanity
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
When they see us, may they see
Your mercy, Your mercy
When they know us, may they know
Your mercy, Your mercy
When they see us, may they see
Your mercy, Your mercy
When they know us, may they know
Your mercy, Your mercy
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
Bless the hands and feet
Of those who serve in need
Of the broken and ashamed
Bless the weary soul
The Lord will make us whole
God, speak peace to those afraid
May the words we speak
Build a bridge for peace
Your loving kindness shows the way
Open up our doors
Giving refuge for
All the weary and afraid…
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy
Let Your mercy flow through us
Your mercy, Your mercy

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 5:20-26

[Jesus said] “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 judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; 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.’

Jesus is talking tough here, about the difference between surface religious observance and living God’s law from our hearts. His language is confrontational and direct. How does it feel to hear him speak like this? Does this challenge your image of Jesus in any way?

Jesus challenges us about how we deal with conflict and anger. What thoughts and memories do his words arouse in your mind? Is this an issue for you? Perhaps you would like to ask Jesus for help in managing your own anger, or someone else’s…

As we listen to this passage being read again, notice what strikes and stays with you. Allow yourself to stay with your feelings and explore what is in your heart as you listen to the words of Jesus.


Jesus confronts but he also offers us a way to deal with conflict. Is there anything in your past or present life that his words are touching on? Allow yourself to speak to him and ask for the grace you desire for yourself or others at this time.

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.