Mathew 5: 21,22.“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment…but anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”

Our Father in Heaven, you have given man such great dignity by creating him in your own image. You respect our rights of freedom to make our own choices and you have set strong limits on how we are to treat others. You have decreed that we are not to take another’s life. You have forbidden that we should insult the dignity that is in them.

In calling another person a fool we play the fool ourselves. You have not given us the right to destroy another’s reputation and good name.

We pray for forgiveness for harboring anger in our hearts toward someone who has wronged us. Forgive us for what we have thought and said about them. To keep on in such a rage is to live in the fires of hell.

Cleanse our souls through the blood of Christ in whose name we pray.

Amen.