We have covered the opening “blessings” previously. Though
you could, as I have pointed out, chase some of those who today claim to be “Christian
Leaders” with a copy of the Beatitudes, most thinking people would
regard them as a guide to those whom the Galilean deemed happy. Why? Because, though
they are set upon today, a better world awaits them. Others view them as a
guide to fulfilling a Christian life. Others simply say, “Those are my brothers
and sisters with special needs, and I am their keeper.” Whatever. They, these
simple blessings, still have the power to shake the foundations of rational
belief as part of the immortal Sermon on the Mount.
Summarizing this wondrous work in a few words is impossible.
Simply consider some of the more well-known passages.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill
cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your
good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (5:14-16).
You have heard that it was said, "Eye for eye, and
tooth for tooth." But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone
slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also (5:38-39).
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where
moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up
for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and
where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your
heart will be also (6:19-21).
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the
one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the
other. You cannot serve both God and money (6:24).
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you (7:7).
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and
broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But
small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find
it (7:13-14).
Consider how “The Sermon” has been cited by both real and
fictional personages. At one end of the belief spectrum, Jonathan Pennington, associate
professor of New Testament interpretation and director of research doctoral
studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky,
said this about the Sermon on the Mount, “… it’s wisdom from God, inviting us
through faith to re-orient our values, vision, and habits from the ways of
external righteousness to whole-heartedness toward God. This isn’t ‘law’ but ‘gospel.’
Jesus is inviting us into life in God’s kingdom both now and in the future age.
This is grace.”
At the far end of the spectrum, that of non-belief, scientist
and writer Carl Sagan says this of his atheist protagonist of the novel Contact,
“Ellie, was deeply moved by the Sermon on the Mount.”
This concept of religious writing, one that serves to unite
us, build bridges between us, and open the narrow gate to an exalted life, may
seem strange to many in today’s America. I suppose that’s why we don’t hear
much—even from those who claim to love the Galilean—about The Sermon on the
Mount.
Too bad for us.
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