We speak a wisdom to those who are mature, not a wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age who are passing away. Rather, we speak God's wisdom, mysterious, hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory, and which none of the rulers of this age knew...
Last week's gospel began with Jesus ascending a high mountain to preach his Sermon on the Mount. He began his preaching ministry with the Eight Beatitudes. Today he continues with several adjustments to the ancient Jewish religion. Throughout this sermon we learn a wisdom for those who are mature. If he hopes that someone will learn this remarkable wisdom, the Lord does not suppose "the rulers of this" or any age will accept it. They must obey the childish whims of those they seem to rule.
Saint Paul was keenly aware of God's wisdom as
"a two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart."
Students of the gospel expect to be challenged by the truth. They expect to be upset and unnerved by the word that comes not as a notion or suggestion, nor even as an idea. It comes with authority as a command. Often its authority will be more apparent than the guidance it gives. It says, "Do this and you will live!" when we cannot see a way through this narrow gate.
The gospel invariably sets us apart and claims us for God's people. We're "no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation," and yet we are not "glad of another death." (T.S. Eliot, The Journey of the Magi) Cut away from the herd we must go with Jesus first into the wilderness and then to the mountain. There he will open his mouth and breathe words that finally make sense to us.
He does not reform the Jewish religion. The faith of Abraham had no need of reform and the Lord's disciples were not reformers. They did not reject the old religion or despise its followers. Rather, he came to fulfill the word to Abraham and its promise, and to lead disciplined children into the freedom of maturity.
Their adult freedom will astonish those who think of freedom only as lawlessness or lawfulness. It is neither the privilege to have what I want, do what I want, when I want, and as I want; nor is it a slavish observance of rules, expectations, and propriety. Small children often suppose their parents and teachers have the former unlimited freedom. Teenagers suppose their unfortunate parents must always obey the rules. Neither can imagine adult freedom; their developing brains cannot yet conceive it.
The following of Christ is far more disciplined than anything the world imagines. They permit lust, adultery, covetousness, and idolatry within the space of their own skulls. Nor do they oppose anodyne displays of faith. Even overt demonstrations of religiosity are welcome so long as they permit divorce, abortion, self-aggrandizement, and don't actually change anything.
When Jesus teaches, "You have heard it said..., but I say to you..." we should expect a two edged sword to attack this world's beliefs, principles, and standard operating procedures. His wisdom, which often passes for common sense, will free us. And as it cost his life, so it will cost us -- dearly.
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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.