1. The Sermon on The Mount

2.  The readings of Matthew 5-7 Sermon on the Mount Summarizes Jesus’ teachings.  Generally today the Sermon is divided into three parts: A. 5:3 -16 ~ opening statement of the beatitudes and sayings about salt and light

3. B. 5:17- 7:12 ~ the interpretation of the Torah based on the constant repetition in the text of “the Law and the prophets” C. 7:13 – 27 ~ the final moral exhortation, teaching or conclusion.

4.  During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus becomes the completion of the Torah. He does not change Mosaic law; but rather, he fulfills it.  Jesus perfects Moses’ teachings. This completion reflects what a fully redeemed world looks like. After the Sermon on the Mount, the disciples are to model this new Torah.

5.  The Beatitudes become the foundation of a fully redeemed world. They give an upside down view of life. The first four expresses the action of God towards the poor, etc… and the second four talks about our behaviour towards our neighbour.

6.  Sermon on the Mount is a summary of the Gospels.  Jesus calls God Abba and says, “it is our vocation to be children of the Father”. Basically we are all brothers and sisters of one Father. What are the repercussions of this statement for us?

7.  The Sermon sends us on the ethical journey and it give us a foretaste of the Kingdom. We now know what we can do under God’s grace to bring it into fulfillment. The guide on this journey is the Holy spirit.

8.  Therefore, the Sermon on the Mount is a description of a generous response to the unexpected and unlimited generosity initiated by God.  The gift of love enables us to respond to everyone with love and generosity. We are given personal responsibility. This love engages our reason and informs our reasons.

9.  Reflection Question #1 How does the text (Matthew 5-7) challenge your present understanding of what it means to live an ethical life?