Thursday 11 June 2026
St Barnabas
Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power – Ps 97(98):1-6. Matthew 5:20-26.
True repentance is our gift to God
During the sermon on the mount, Jesus reminds his listeners about the way they should behave as people of God. In contrast to the external appearance of holiness, the Pharisees are hypocrites whose hearts are set on social success and not the building of good community relationships. In verse 24 Jesus tells his followers of the importance of reconciliation with one’s friend or neighbour before they can offer a gift to God at the altar. If they are not reconciled, this gift to God is empty and meaningless. It is lip service only, not the loving service demanded of God in which we forgive and are forgiven. The gift we offer to God is true repentance and the restoration of a right relationship through reconciliation. Who have you forgiven lately? Who has found it in their hearts to give you the gift of their forgiveness?
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