Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit. Let your gentleness overcome my anger.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus teaching his disciples to reconcile.
Context:
Jesus teaches a “greater goodness” which is demanded by the holiness of this new Kingdom. In this gospel, he compares the Old Testament teaching on anger and his new teaching. Jesus desires a oneness among his disciples by avoiding anger.
Gospel Text (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- Jesus raises the Old Law to a new level and invites the disciples to live at that new height.
- The law commanded only external compliance. Jesus’ Kingdom goes much deeper into the disciples’ hearts.
- Jesus’ disciples must remove their inner anger. Then violence will cease.
- He forbids angry words so that hatred has no hold.
- He even demands that the temple sacrifices be delayed until the disciples reconcile.
- Jesus gives new precedents and requires total selflessness.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, make me gentle.
- Save me, O Lord, from the violent waters of anger. Bring me to the restful waters of your Spirit.
- Even on the cross, you spoke no angry word. You were silent as a lamb going to the slaughter.
- Release a river of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation within me.
- Reconcile me to all of my family and friends.
- O Jesus, I will drink deeply of your forgiveness.
Resolution: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ Today, I will forgive everyone who hurts me.
+ I will reconcile with my enemies wherever possible.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Leave your gift at the altar and go to be reconciled with your brother.