Worshipping at Home 12th February 2023
Home Worshipping 

12th February 2023

Welcome to Home Worshipping 12th February 2023!

Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 30 vs.15-20



Matthew 5 vs. 21-26


Jesus calls for us to be kind


‘You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment..“


But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, “Raca,” is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell. ‘Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. ‘Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.’

Thought for the Day

Some much needed words of clarification from Jesus in our gospel reading today. It would though be completely wrong to take his words as saying that murder is only as serious as calling someone a fool. However on the other hand he is making a serious point that in the eyes of God calling someone a fool as a demeaning comment or accusation would be regarded as having the same seriousness.

To understand this we have to realise that the word ‘fool’ in those days was extremely derogatory to the point of calling someone downright wicked and meant to be taken seriously by the person being accused and all others listening in. For instance someone’s reputation or worthiness could be severely damaged by such a comment. As a contrast Jesus also talks about another exclamation of ‘Raca’, a more common derisory term, which could also be damaging but not to the same extent. Even so it might justify court action if maliciously used but certainly not taken as an offence before God. But let’s put this into today’s context; it’s really all about intent and the effect on the receiving party.

An unthinking derogatory attack on someone or a deliberately damaging and harsh attack, calling attention to and focussing upon their shortcomings, cannot be justified in God’s eyes.

Vehemently offloading our own loathing or anger against someone, especially on a repetitious basis, can cause lifelong problems for that person affecting their day to day faculties and self-confidence, even causing severe mental health problems for the rest of their lives. Ruining someone’s prospects of a secure and settled life is after all tantamount to murder and they have to live with the consequences without hope of relief. Their life has been taken away.

It may be in our opinion that this person deserves to be taken down a peg or two; it may be that they have offended us first; it maybe that they have made a total mess of things that has caused us untold difficulties or financial loss. It’s hard to quell the anger, indignation or sense of hurt ourselves but in the end we gain nothing by letting loose. The burning grudges that go with such anger will punish us as much as the perpetrator and what’s more get in the way of our relationship with God both now and in eternity. A well-meaning and practical warning from Jesus, not to make us live life looking over our shoulder in fear or dread of consequences of what we say, but to be equally kind and forgiving towards all people no matter what! It’s very hard to do this and I’m sure Jesus knows – that’s why he left us the Holy Spirit! 

Amen

Let us Pray

Lord Jesus we hear your words and we know what we should do and how we should behave. In the heat of the moment though we often lose our self-control or criticise others even though it achieves nothing except to release our own pent up anger. You commanded us Lord to love our neighbours, including our enemies, as ourselves and we know cannot achieve this unless we can restrain our anger and annoyance. Help us Lord to find inner calm and make generous allowance in forgiving those who we are tempted to think of as fools whether we say it or not. In forgiving them and holding back our anger, let us convert this into love and kindness even though it may never be reciprocated. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you. 

Amen
The Blessing

The peace of God which passes all understanding keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit be amongst us and remain with us always.


Amen

 The Collect Prayer

2nd Sunday before Lent Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: Teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever.


Amen

If you have any thoughts, questions or concerns, please contact us

Henley in Arden The incumbent/priest in charge John Ganjavi
telephone 01564 792570 or email Incumbent / Priest in charge

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I believe if you keep your faith, you keep your trust, you keep the right attitude, if you're grateful, you'll see God open up new doors.
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