Faith Daily | 11 June 2021

PRAYER of the DAY - PENTECOST APBA p550

O Lord, from whom alone all good things come:

grant that by your holy inspiration

we may think those things that are good,

and by your merciful guiding

may perform them;

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

GOSPEL for the Day: Matthew 5: 27 - 32

27 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” 28But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.* 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.*

31 ‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” 32But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

GOSPEL Reflection: Contributed by: Peta-Anne Warwick

In this passage, Jesus is on the mountain with his disciples. He knows that he will be leaving them soon and they will be alone in the world without his physical presence to keep them on track, with the mission of spreading the gospel far and wide and away from all they love. And so, he counsels them on how to deal with the onslaught of Satan’s interference in a broken world. Fast track into today’s society, we have the benefit of technology and fast travel, but our lives are complex and fast pace and relationships get lost in our busyness, schedules and distractions. And so, the principles of the Jesus’s advice remain relevant.

All men and women need to be loved, feel appreciated, feel they are seen and heard. Anyone not feeling content in any of the above, becomes vulnerable. While it is just a tad extreme to tear out your right eye and throw it away, it is very sound advice to avoid situations where any weakness gives Satan opportunity. For us, we need to remember that the most important relationship we have is with Jesus; who loves us, appreciates us, definitely sees us and hears us even if we don’t speak. Then in our earthy relationships, we need to take up the whole armour of God: “Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness…take up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Referring to divorce, it is so much more complex now (ie, I am not going there!) but I believe Jesus is effectively saying: in all things be truthful, act with honour, and be just and fair. In our day, divorce seems to be inextricably linked to conflict, grief and suffering. In James 1 vs 19-20, James says “let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness”. If we can strive to hear what needs to be heard, say only what needs to be said, and do only what is fair to all persons involved, we can help make our world a better place.

FINAL PRAYER: Paul Field, Go Peaceful lyrics

Go peaceful

In gentleness

Through the violence of these days

Give freely

Show tenderness

In all your ways

Through darkness

In troubled times

Let holiness be your aim

Seek wisdom

Let faithfulness

Burn like a flame

God speed you

God lead you

And keep you wrapped around his heart

May you be known by love

Be righteous

Speak truthfully

In a world of greed and lies

Show kindness

See everyone

Through heaven's eyes

God hold you

Enfold you

And keep you wrapped around his heart

May you be known by love

God speed you

God lead you

And keep you wrapped around his heart

May you be known by love

May you be known by love

Amen