Surely not!
Surely not!
The late Rev. Dr. John Stott once said about the Beatitudes, “the Sermon on the Mount is probably the best-known part of the teaching of Jesus, though arguably it is the least understood, and certainly it is the least obeyed.”
Well, that’s a “fine” situation to be in . . . but only if I think I am somehow supposed to change the behaviour of people by my exposition of Jesus’ challenging words. If my responsibility is to talk about how the lectionary texts for this Sunday relate to us as people with a relationship with God through Jesus the Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, then it is a fine situation.
The Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel lessons work very well together when they are centred on the Beatitudes. Paul talks about how people don’t see the wisdom of God in the words and life of Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:18ff NRSV),, and Micah says “what does the LORD require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8b NRSV)
In these days of divisive and destructive communication,, we are called to be people of the Beatitudes, not people who believe that the only answer to violence is violence. It is not easy at least not for me. I talk about my initial thoughts when I encounter distant violence. There are very few positive changes in our society that can be traced back to violence. Give the sermon and listen, and let me know what you think as you are inclined and able.
“Surely not!” St. Mark’s Presbyterian (to download, right-click and select “Save Link As . . .”)
Blessings,
