Today's readings:

Psalm 38:4

Exodus 11:14

Matthew 5:21 - 22

Yet again we are landed with some rather 'odd' readings, devoid of cheer, and riven with what I am coming to recognise as 'unjoy'... The psalmist is overwhelmed by guilt, Moses murders and Egyptian and Jesus equates snide remarks to murder... The only saving grace, is, I think, the gospel, which reminds us that the inner attitudes are every bit as significant as the outer expressions... Moses murder is not worse than my muttering...

Unjoy through the world

Until He comes

To change our hearts and minds

Til then we mutter graceless words

And grumble loud and long

And call each other names

And wish each other ill

And loveless thoughts pervade our minds

Joy in the world

For he has come

To change our hearts and minds

To love our neighbours as ourselves

To pray for our enemies

And try to live in peace

And speak and be Good News

Until the Kingdom in fulfilled

(Amen)

Does not quite fit the tune, sorry!  Got an extra line from somewhere, oops