A living faith

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Create In Me

Paul Zach

Today is Sunday the 15th of February, beginning the 6th week of Ordinary Time.

Paul Zach, Jessica Fox and IAmSon sing ‘Create In Me’, a setting of Psalm 51.

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Against you only I have sinned

Done evil in your sight

But you have shown me what I’ve done

With mercy in your eyes

Then wash my shame and guilt away

My weary soul renew

From all my sinning turn your face

Let me return to you

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

So I will give you what you asked

A humble, broken heart

A spirit burning down to ash

Within your flame, O God

And this will be your mercy, Lord

Transforming all of me

Til every act and every word

Your love and glory speak

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Have mercy on me

According to your endless love

3:20

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 5:20-22, 27-28, 33-34, 37

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire.

You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God.

Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

5:27

In today’s Gospel passage, which continues the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus continues his call for us to live with integrity and purity of heart. Imagine the scene: Jesus has been teaching from the mountainside. The crowd is spread across the landscape - people of all ages, some distracted, some attentive. Hear the weight of his words as he challenges the letter of the Law, calling his followers to a heart that is transformed from within.

Where might you be in the crowd? What is your response? Which of Jesus’ words strikes you most?

Jesus calls the people to a living faith that has integrity, one that doesn’t make excuses. Where might your words, thoughts, or actions fail to reflect your heart?

As we hear the passage again, consider setting aside some time this week to reflect on the “yes” and “no” of your life, asking: How can my heart be more aligned with God’s truth?

8:32

Matthew 5:20-22, 27-28, 33-34, 37

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire.

You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God.

Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

10:21

On this Sabbath day, perhaps return in spirit to the mountainside. Take a moment to sit beside the Lord and speak - or simply rest - in the intimacy and trust of His love.

12:16

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen