Striving

It’s hard to read the Sermon on the Mount these days without feeling that it sets almost impossible standards for modern Americans. Much has been written about the Galilean’s claim that he has come not to abolish but to fulfill the law (Mt 5:17). In fact, some scholars interpret what is meant by “fulfillment of the law” is not the demand to keep it exactly as it stood before, but rather as a new expression of the will of God. Is it possible that he meant that some things in “The Law” might pass away and be replaced by more exacting standards of righteousness?

What might the strictures of The Beatitudes replace? Could the list include the laws against eating shellfish, adorning the body with tattoos, executing misbehaving children, obtaining knowledge, a man’s having a relationship with … oh, let’s not give Franklin Graham a heart attack.

It would be hard enough simply to abide by The Beatitudes in modern America. Many politicians seem to despise the poor in spirit. Those who mourn for their children who were taken from them at our border receive particular spite and wrath in social media. Those who are merciful and forgiving receive ridicule and condemnation. The supporters of our current president say he may not be pure in heart, but at least he hates the same people we do. Try hungering and thirsting for righteousness and see where it gets you with Fox News. Peacemakers? Forget it.

If the Sermon on the Mount contains the roots from which righteousness grows, folks in our land will say it’s a hard row to hoe.