March 10, 2017 Friday of the 1st Week of Lent-A

Ezekiel 18:21-28

Psalm 130

Matthew 5:20-26

“…whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement…”  Matthew 5:22

Lord, you make a good point today that anger can have very bad consequences.  When we permit anger to fill us we lose control of our words and actions.  Road rage has led to violence.  Domestic violence can come from uncontrolled anger.  The peace we all seek is shattered when we lose control of our tempers.  How can we love or even worship you when our hearts are disturbed by revenge or hatred.  Lord, I admit to being controlled at times by reactions that are harmful.  I can even try to justify my words and actions that you forbid.  Lord, bless me with the grace to change.  Show me a better way, a calmer, more peaceful way to forgive.  Help me to let go when anger starts to rise in my heart.  I know you love and forgive me for all my mistakes.  With your grace I can peacefully forgive others.  This Lent help me fast from angry reactions. Amen.