Faith Daily | 21 June 2021

PRAYER of the DAY - PENTECOST APBA p552

Almighty and everlasting God,

you are always more ready to hear that we to pray,

and give more than either we desire or deserve:

pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy,

forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid,

and giving us those good things

which we are not worthy to ask,

save through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ,

your Son our Lord.

Amen.

GOSPEL for the Day: Matthew 7: 1-5

‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. 2For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. 3Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? 4Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.

GOSPEL Reflection: Contributed by: Michelle Chapman

I woke this morning to the news that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have welcomed a daughter Lilibet to their family, including older brother Archie. As per news outlets this family is grateful for the good wishes and “prayers’ for their family and the safe delivery of their second child. Harry and Meghan have previously outraged many people around the world with critical outpourings towards their own families of origin.

To smile is to move the facial muscles in an upward movement; surely smiling and speaking kindly or simply smiling is a desired and mood altering experience. Laughter too is a positive physical movement that bring happy experiences, good fun and powerful warmth into our lives.

Of course these new parents are grateful for positive words and thoughts about their new addition and their own family. The arrival of a new baby should be a time of great happiness and lovingkindness for any family. Pray this family give their lives to Jesus, asking forgiveness, seeking redemption and becoming Christians like their Queen.

The first verse of the reading says “Do not judge or you too will be judged” and V.5 (a) “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye”. May we all be willing to give our past, present and future words and actions to our loving God and his son Jesus Christ, seeking forgiveness whenever needed. Pray that the Holy Spirit is the one who leads our daily words, actions and behaviours towards ourselves and others.

FINAL PRAYER: APBA p 547

Almighty and everliving God,

increase in us your gift of faith,

so that, forsaking what lies behind

and reaching out to that which is before us,

we may run the way of your commandments

and win the crown of everlasting joy;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen