Gospel: Matthew 5.21-26
21 ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.” 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first, be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
Sermon:
“Be Reconciled. Be Honest. Be Strong.”
These past Sundays the Gospel Readings have all been from Matthew chapter 5.
Matthew chapter 5-7 is the powerful Sermon on Month that Jesus gave to his disciples and to the crowd who were following him, clinging to his words and teaching, seeking hope and grace in his presence.
The Sermon on the Mount was as it indicates given on a Mountain.
This past Monday I was up on a mountain. I went like so many other southern Californians up to Snow Valley to ski. To be honest, I am not a good skier, I am a continuing beginner, but a happy beginner, as I love being in the Mountains, in the snow, on the skies and enjoying the views, the exercise, and the feeling of accomplishment when I do not fall or hurt myself. But mostly I simply enjoy the fresh cold air in my lungs and on my face.
Mountains are beautiful for hiking, skiing, or relaxing. But mountains are also a wonderful symbol of being on higher ground, lifted from the plains, and closer to God.
Jesus gave his famous Sermon on the Mountain to get his followers and listeners closer to God.
The sermon on the mount is a famous time at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, where his teachings are consolidated into one sermon.
The sermon on the mount is a beautiful collection of spiritual blessings and deep moral and ethical principles that Jesus laid before his followers.
The teachings are radical and of high standards for our human behavior. Reminding us that we are indeed only human; so eager to try to do our best, but also bound to fail. So, through all of these radical reminders to us, we are embraced by the loving grace of God.
The section today is about anger.
Jesus reminds his followers that the 10 Commandments tell us “You shall not commit murder.”
They knew it back then, as we know it now. We shall not commit murder. It is written in the laws. We know that murder is breaking the law of the country and breaking the law of God.
But then Jesus goes deeper into the very source of murder. He goes to anger.
We all know anger. We all get angry from time to time. Angry at our siblings. Angry at our parents. Angry at our friends. Maybe angry at ourselves.
Angry at the Politicians we disagree with. Angry with the drivers in traffic. The anger we all know. And unfortunately, anger is dividing families, friends, communities, yes even countries.
Standing on the Mountain, closer to God, closer to clarity and divinity, Jesus says: Don’t get angry! Suppress your anger! If you insult your brother or sister, if you get angry, if you say harsh words, if you hold grudges and feel hatred, - you are liable to judgment just like a murderer. Because anger kills. Anger ruins relations.
So, solve it! Confront the anger and solve the problem.
That term is called Reconciliation.
To restore friendly relations:
To reunite, to bring back together.
Directly from Latin conciliate = make friendly + re= again.
So, today and back then on the mountain we are reminded that anger is a powerful feeling that can ruin relations, break hearts, kill hope and bring sadness and division.
Up at the mountain last Monday, I went on the wrong lift when I had my first run in 2 years! So instead of boing on the bunny slopes, I went to the intermediate slopes of Eagle Flats and Coyote Flats. So, I had to walk don’t the edges of the unexpectedly steep slope until I found myself on a more reasonable level.
Because I knew my limitations and my fears. I know that I am only a beginner.
That is also what Jesus reminded everyone on the Mountain too. That we are beginners. That we are humans. That we strive higher and aim higher, but often have to admit and embrace our limitations and failures.
Jesus said we should have high standards and big dreams. That we should aim higher and do better. But Jesus also embraced us with that soothing amazing Grace that forgives us when we fail, brings us back to our feet when we fall, gives us a push in the right direction, and forgives us when we are weak.
As Scouts, you have the Oath to do your very best.
As Christians, we have the Oath to do our very best.
As Citizens, we must do our very best.
As humans, we share humanity across families, relations, politics, religions, and faith, - to do our very best and aim higher.
And embrace others with the same kind of kindness, respect, humanity, forgiveness, and grace that we believe God embraces us with. Today and Tomorrow and every day.
So, be reconciled. Be honest. Be strong. And be human.
Always act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with each other and God