THE NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Deuteronomy 11:18, 26-28, 32
Romans 3:21-25, 28
Matthew 7:21-27

A way back in February on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the gospel that was proclaimed was the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. We heard the Beatitudes that some commentators have said make up the Charter of the New Way, that summarize what Christ’s followers are all about. Jesus, on the mountain, the new Moses, teaches to new law, the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I enjoin on you today. The Beatitudes do not replace the Decalogue. They cast them in new light.

This Sunday we hear proclaimed the conclusion of that Sermon. It’s a warning. Entrance into the Kingdom just might depend on living the Beatitudes, on having that mind in you that corresponds to Jesus’ mind. And not just the mind in you, but acting in conformity with that mind. That isn’t going to be easy. The World will say it is utter madness.

People who live by the Gospel must resign themselves to being fools for Christ’s sake. Their lives, the decisions they make, will make no sense apart from Jesus and the Good News he announces. Of course the caution will always be, look where the lifestyle got Jesus. Are you willing to go there?

It’s all grace. By that I mean, the only way the message can be taken to heart and acted upon is by the grace of God. Paul reminds us that there is no distinction; all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. (We) are justified freely by God’s grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus. Left to our own devices, where would we be? Remembering that we are sinners gives us a perspective that prevents us from looking down on or judging anyone else. Wasn’t it St. Augustine who quipped, There but for the grace of God go I. The insight is that there is no evil that another human being has done that I could not do. It is the grace of God that keeps me from that. Some years ago, there was a popular bumper sticker that proclaimed: Christians aren’t different, they’re just forgiven. I haven’t seen that one for a while. But the truth remains. We’re sinners but redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

So, what is the challenge confronting us in today’s gospel? Remember, each announcing of the Word is meant to confront us and call us to conversion. The proclamation is not meant to induce a guilt trip no matter how far from the ideal we might think we are. Rather, our experience is meant to be like that of the throng that sat at Jesus’ feet on the mountain. At the conclusion of the great Sermon they were spellbound, their hope renewed. Why? Jesus taught with authority. If he said it, it was possible.

Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise person who built a house on rock. On what does your life rest? What is the foundation on which you are built? Jesus is quite aware of the demands he has placed before the crowds. Jesus’ hope is that they will move from being members of a crowd, those who are looking on, asking questions about, and undecided about him, to being disciples, those who choose to walk with him. Jesus promises that if we live in, with, and through him, come what may, we will endure, we will not collapse. On the other hand, without Jesus, no one can live the way he wants people to live. The reign of God will be kept at bay.

We have to disabuse ourselves of the fantasy that in every situation we will be victors. There is a vulnerability to be lived in Christ that makes that impossible. Read the rest of the Sermon in Matthew’s Gospel and you will see what I mean. In this space, let a few examples suffice. It is quite clear that Jesus is not doing away with the Law. The Ten Commandments still apply. But isn’t it true that when we hear the commandments we are apt to interpret them minimally? Thou shalt not kill means just that. Murder is forbidden. Jesus says yes to that, but avoiding murder is just the beginning. Anger is not acceptable either, nor any of the other violations of charity that others might understand as being only normal. How does, if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the left one to him go down with you? The Hebrew Scriptures endorsed the Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth vindictive morality. That won’t fly with Jesus. In fact, if you listen carefully to Jesus, it seems quite clear that he is saying his disciples will offer no resistance to abuses. Hear the line from Isaiah that is applied to Jesus. Like a lamb he was led to the slaughter. Matthew’s Passion narrative tells us that (Jesus) was silent before his accusers. So, it isn’t that Jesus teaches one thing and acts in another way.

The Sermon on the Mount sets a high standard before us. That is why so often when we hear sections of the whole we accommodate, concluding that surely he can’t mean what I just heard. Ah, but I am afraid Jesus does mean what he says. He teaches with authority, remember.

If we apply the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount to several current moral dilemma what will be the result. Take the issue of war. Does vindication warrant the waging of war? Those committed pacifists would say otherwise. Think of the amazing witness the world had from Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. Or more recently, the witness of Sister Dorothy Stang. Each one was murdered for the cause championed. None bore arms. And none was silenced by the bullet or the blade. Their voices continue to resound, calling all to change their ways and bring justice to the oppressed.

Our country is embroiled in debate over the death penalty. The Catholic Church teaches that the death penalty should not be used unless there is no other way to protect innocent life in society. That would seem to eliminate any justification for the implementation of the death penalty on these shores. Of course the innocent in society ought to be protected from those who would harm them. The means for doing that is available. There is the sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. I think Jesus would urge us one step further. What about forgiveness? Imagine that.

We could go on, but I do not want to weary you. And I certainly do not want to give you the impression that I would not have to struggle with these issues. It’s just that I know that I am a sinner. I know that I have not always acted out of love. I know the need for forgiveness. But I am coming to see that the need remains the same for me, to die to self and live in Jesus. If I can continue to pray for the grace to do that there is hope that I will live more and more securely on the Rock. Then, Winds, blow as you will. I will survive.

And isn’t that our hope each time we gather to celebrate Eucharist? That just as the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, so also will our transformation be complete – at least by the last day.

Sincerely,

Didymus