Someone I know has been burgled for the fourth time.

Having long lost anything of sentimental value (or, indeed, of any value), this time the burglars stole the little lead from the roof and the copper boiler tank. Ripping the pipes from the wall, hundreds of gallons of water cascaded through the house – destroying it.

Christianity teaches us we should ‘not condemn or we shall be condemned.’ ‘Pardon or you shall not be pardoned.’ But to have this sort of attitude, you have to be a saint.

Today’s reading, is from Jeremiah 18:18-20

Listen to me, Lord; hear what my accusers are saying! Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember that I stood before you and spoke in their behalf to turn your wrath away from them.