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Epiphany 6     Matthew 5:21-37, particularly verses 21-24

Deeper than law (YA No 22)

Jesus was a brilliant teacher  ,

Master of his Jewish lore;

Taught his list’ners from tradition

With such force, not heard before;

Plumbing depths of ancient teachings

He gave meanings so profound;

Simple, yet with new perception;

His great wisdom could astound.

Jesus taught that laws were needed

To protect society,

But he knew our inner feelings

Fathered our dishonesty;

From the heart emotions quicken

Anger, scorn, revenge and spite;

These when nursed can spring to action;

Can explode with savage might.

When a murder is committed,

People of the past declared,

Guilty ones should face the judgement;

Punishment should not be spared;

But then Jesus saw more deeply

To the secrets of our hearts;

Murder, ridicule and anger

Can begin when love departs.

Jesus then continued teaching,

Spoke of things we all can feel;

“If at worship you remember

Brokenness you need to heal,

Go and first make peace with others

Then return to pray and praise;

Only then your celebration

Can have worth to guide your way.

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