Readings: 2 Cor 3:15, 4:1,3-6; Psalm 85; Mat 5:20-26
Verse: “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times…. But I say to you….”
Each of the lessons taught in the Sermon on the Mount could be expanded into an entire essay. The core of them all, however, is in the heart. Our behavior must follow God’s will, but the external observance of the Ten Commandments is not enough. For a citizen of Christ’s Kingdom, the attitudes and desires of the heart must also be pleasing to God. Last week, Jesus pointed out that the two most important commandments are to love God and neighbor, and both are inseparable. You can not have one without the other.
Friendship with God requires a union of hearts. How can my friendship with him be complete when I harbor resentment against some people, or hold them in contempt, or tarnish their good name by spreading rumors about them or speaking ill of them? Christ is explaining the Law from this perspective when he explains the true meaning of sinful anger.
Christ’s frequent mention of hell in the Gospels has caused some to accuse Christianity of manipulating weak and superstitious people by installing fear. Nothing can be less accurate. Christ’s warnings are those of a friend. Jesus knows that we can only reach lasting happiness through friendship with God, and he wants us to be happy, so he warns us about everything that could damage or destroy that friendship.
The truth is that eternity spent without God will be indescribably painful because the human person was created to live in union with God. Since Christ loves us, he tells us the truth even when it is tough.
The moral law of Jesus Christ is a perfect law because it forbids evil thoughts and words and deeds. It requires not only outward observance of commandments, but also an inward amendment, sanctification, and elevation of the soul. Our Lord requires us to strive ceaselessly after perfection, placing the perfection of God before us as our model: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”