Monday, June 7, 2010

Monday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time



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 has ascended the mountain to teach, and all the people have gathered to him. As 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.