Matt 5:20-26

Meditation: Are you ever driven by anger, rage, or revenge? The
first person to hate his brother was Cain. God warned Cain: 'Why are
you angry? ..Sin in couching at the door; it's desire is for you, but you
must master it (Genesis 4:6-7). Sin doesn't just happen to us; it first
grows as a tiny seed in our heart. Unless it is uprooted, by God's grace,
it grows like a weed and chokes the vine and all its fruit. Jesus addressed
the issue of keeping the commandments with his disciples. The scribes and
Pharisees equated righteousness with satisfying the outward observance
of the law. Jesus showed them how short they had come. Jesus points to
the heart as the seat of desire and choice. Unless evil and forbidden desires
are eradicated, the heart will be corrupted. Jesus points to forbidden
anger with one's brother. This is a selfish anger that broods and is long-lived,
that nurses a grudge and keeps wrath warm, and that refuses to die. Harboring
anger in the heart as well as anger in speech and action are equally forbidden
by God.
What is the antidote to anger and rage? Mercy, kindness, and forbearance
spring from a heart full of love and forgiveness. God has forgiven us and
he calls us to extend mercy and forgiveness towards those who cause us
grief and harm.  In the cross of Jesus we see the supreme example
of love and forgiveness and the power of goodness for overcoming evil.
Only God's love and grace can set our hearts and minds free from the tyranny
of wounded pride and spiteful revenge. Do you harbor any anger towards
another person? And are you quick to be reconciled when a rupture has been
caused in your relationships? Ask God to set you free and to fill your
heart and mind with his love and goodness. Paul the Apostle reminds us
that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit
which has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). Through the grace and help of
the Holy Spirit we can overcome malice with good, hatred with kindness,
and injury with pardon.
"May I be no man's enemy, and may I be the friend of that which is eternal
and abides. May I never quarrel with those nearest me: and if I do, may
I be reconciled quickly. May I love, seek, and attain only that which is
good. May I wish for all men's happiness and envy none. May I never rejoice
in the ill-fortune of one who has wronged me. When I have done or said
what is wrong, may I never wait for the rebuke of others, but always rebuke
myself until I make amends. May I win no victory that harms either me or
my opponent. May I reconcile friends who are angry with one another. May
I never fail a friend who is in danger. When visiting those in grief may
I be able by gentle and healing words to soften their pain. May I respect
myself. May I always keep tame that which rages within me. May I accustom
myself to be gentle, and never be angry with people because of circumstances.
May I never discuss who is wicked and what wicked things he has done, but
know good men and follow in their footsteps."  (Prayer
of Eusebius, 3rd century)
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings

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Robin K Brookes
69 Beresford Road
LOWESTOFT
NR32 2NQ  UK