Radical Sayings of Jesus

Radical Sayings of Jesus:

To say something is radical is to say it relates to the fundamental nature of something.   It means to get down to the root of something.   A radical can be defined as a person who advocates thorough or complete political or social reform.  

Jesus was motivated by the truth.  He wasn't worried about being politically correct.  He didn't have a need to be liked by people.  Jesus did not have a desire for expedience or convenience.  In the Gospel of Matthew , chapter 5 Jesus gives us his sayings which cut to the root of the life he envisions for us.   Are we able to be radical as Jesus was radical.  

Under the laws of Moses the rule was, "if you murder, you must die"But I have added to that rule, and tell you that if you are only angry, even in your own home, you are in danger of judgement! If you call your friend an idiot you are in danger of being brought before the court.. And if you curse him, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

The law of Moses said "You shall not commit adultery."  But I say, Anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 

So if your eye - even if it is your best eye! causes you to lust , gouge it out and throw it away.  Better for part of you to be destroyed than for all of you to be cast into hell.  And if your hand - even your right hand - causesyou to sin, cut it off and throw it away.  Better that than find yourself in hell. 

The law of Moses says" If a man gouges out another's eye, he must pay with his own eye.  If a tooth gets knocked out, knbock out the tooth of the one who did it. "  But I say: Don't resist violence!  If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too

If the military demand that you carry their gear for a mile, carry it two.

Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.

If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too.

There is a saying, "Love your friends and hate your enemies.  But I say: Love your enemies!  Pray for those who persecute you.  In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven 

Jesus sums up with these words, "But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. 

Jesus' sayings are certainly radical, mostly counter intuitive,  and assuredly difficult.  It takes a great deal of courage and strength to follow them.  The results, however,  are well worth the effort.  They cut to the root of what is good. Are you able to be radical for Jesus? 

God Love You!

The Poor in Spirit

Poor in Spirit:

In the Gospel of St. Matthew, chapters 5, 6, and 7, we find the essence of Jesus's teachings.    We are introduced to the mind of Jesus.  Chapter 5 begins with what are called The Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are 8 blessings recounted in the Sermon on the Mount.  Each is a proverb-like proclamation that is without narrative, but cryptic, precise, and full of meaning. The Beatitiudes describe various aspects of the spiritual attitudes that are supposed to be found in and to prevail in every Christian, which is religious openess to God's will in spite of the hard conditions of the present life.  The beatitudes are a reversal of worldly values that is sometimes called "counter cultural". 

The first beatitude is, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: the kingdom of heaven is theirs."  It has always been a little puzzling to me.  Just who are the "poor in spirit"?  

The poor of the first beatitiude are a religious, not just a social category.  They are not only destitute, but oppressed by the rich, who trusted in their wealth and disregarded God.  The poor are really poor and religious people who put their trust in God and expect help and deliverance from Him alone.   In James 2:5 it syas that God has chosen poor people to be rich in faith and the kingdom of Heaven is theirs, for that is the gift God has promised to all those who love Him. 

Today for us "Poor in Spirit" means keeping ourselves in the perspective of God acknowledging and thanking Him as the source of all good things.  It means being good stewards of all given to us for ourselves and others. 

Poor in spirit means acknowledging God's ownership of everything and that we are responsible to be good stewards of those things with which we have been blessed.  Our attitude should be  one of faithful servanats and not one of pride, envy, lust, and gluttony.   We are called to use what we have and are given to provide for ourselves and serve God's people.  

So, are you "Poor in Spirit"?   Are you humble and generous?  Do you acknowledge and thank God for all you have?   Are you ready to share your treasure?  The reward is priceless:  the Kingdom of Heaven!

God Love you!