Monday, September 20, 2021

Be Reconciled


Jesus said, “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.” Matthew 5:21-26

Great Creator, you gave us hearts to forgive
hands and voices to be raised in prayer
you call us to mend the broken circles
and promise you will be with us in our work.

We often foam with anger and in our trauma
governments and people wage war and destroy
yet we too have destroyed the bonds you made
tearing at the fabric of love with so much rage.

You reminded us to be reconciled with others
before we seek our your healing and renewal
yet we often want to be made whole again
when we have left broken bodies in our wake.

Help us to leave our gifts at the altar today
let us run with hope to those we have hurt
make us people who admit the wrongs we do
and offer love where we have planted only pain. Amen.




 

No comments: