During the weekdays of Ordinary Time, from January to November,
we hear the synoptic gospels of Mark , Matthew
and Luke , excluding the infancy narratives and
the passion narratives. During this season we meditate on Jesus ’
teachings, those he gave by his miracles and signs, and those he gave by word.
As of today we open to the Gospel of Saint Matthew and hear his Sermon on the
Mount.
Like Moses Jesus Moses gave us Ten Commandments Jesus gives us eight
beatitudes. These principles have the force of law for us, although they read
more as blessings than commandments. They are observations about the kind of
people whom God favors, and if we are wise we will strive to be that kind of
people.
Where the “hypocrites” – Jewish, Christian, or Muslim -- try
to conform their behavior to God’s law regardless of their inner attitudes, we
must start by conforming our attitudes to the Beatitudes. Our behavior, moods,
and emotions will flow from there as we become God’s holy people in heart, mind
and soul.
Nor is this terribly difficult:
Surely, this commandment that I am
commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It
is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us, and
get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ Neither is it beyond
the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross to the other side of the sea for
us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ No, the word
is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe. Deut 30: 11-13
Being blessed – or “holy” as God is holy – begins with the
practice of attention. “Here I am, Lord!” With that attitude in our daily
prayers and devotions, we become the people of God.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.