One of the suggestions on the Lent sheet we handed out a few weeks ago was to make an extra effort with prayer, specifically the daily reading of scripture. I have made a concerted effort to make this part of each day this Lent. Last Friday the reading was from Matthew’s gospel, where Jesus warned us against being angry with our brother, and advised us to seek reconciliation if we had differences with others. This message really struck home with me, as I have been aware of an undercurrent of negativity and criticism between some of my family members and myself. The commentary for the readings suggested that Jesus always made it a point to look past other people’s shortcomings, to look into their hearts and meet them there. I took this advice, mentally picturing each of my brothers and sisters, looking at the things that were happening in their lives and trying to understand where they were coming from. I really felt my heart soften towards them, and was able to rid myself of all the negative feelings that have been weighing me down for a while. We’re half way through Lent now, and I would encourage everyone to look at at least one things Jesus said and see how it can help improve the ways you live.