Monday 19 June 2023

Today is Monday the 19th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary time.

Leslie Jordan with the Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Teach Us Your Ways’.

Teach us Your ways, teach us Your ways
As we learn from one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us Your ways
Teach us to give, teach us to give
Give ourselves for one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us to give
Teach us to weep, teach us to weep
Let us weep with one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us to weep
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Let us learn from one another
Learn to love each other
Teach us Your ways

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.

The way of living, as laid out in this passage, might remind us of the gifts of the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and these are wonderful ideals. Can you spot any of these within yourself at the moment?

Perhaps there are moments when we really want to express our human fleshly desires of retaliation, of seeking revenge, holding on to our own property and giving only what is required of us. Do you relate to any of these desires at the moment?

Can you remember a time when you’ve lived out the practices laid out in this passage? What was the outcome?

As you listen to the reading again, notice what stirs in you as you hear these words…notice without judgement…


As you listened, which words most stood out to you? Take a few moments to talk with Jesus about this as one friend with another. Ask the Lord for his help today, in whichever situations arise for 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.