THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

With today’s Gospel we begin a series of readings which will take us over the remaining weeks until we reach Lent. This sequence is collectively known as “The Sermon on the Mount” and takes up three chapters of St. Matthew’s Gospel. It is the largest single collection of our Lord’s teachings gathered into one place, and the title “Sermon on the Mount” is taken from the opening words of today’s passage: “Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill…”

     This hill, or “mountain” is symbolic of Our Lord’s going up to high ground from which to teach the people the Truth about God’s kingdom. It was on the mountain of Sinai that Moses first received God’s Law. As Moses was, so Our Lord is God’s spokesman, though infinitely greater. He brings to the world the fullness of what Moses had received on Sinai.

     The entire Sermon opens today with the eight “Beatitudes”, statements beginning: “Blessed are those…” In these sayings Our Lord contrasts present difficulties with future joys, and therefore those who undergo such difficulties are “blessed” even here and now. 

~      Fr. Paul Dobson