Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount advises its audience, and that includes us, to look beyond the letter of the law in pursuit of its original intent. Murder is evil, and the violence that leads to it is liable to judgment. Violence is evil and the rage that leads to it is liable to judgment. Rage is evil and the resentment that leads to it is liable to judgment. In this way we work towards salvation, ever deepening our understanding of right behavior.
May we all be free of suffering and the root of suffering.
Namaste! Amen!
The Readings
Ezekiel 18:21-28
Psalm 130
Matthew 5:20-26
For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.” 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. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 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. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
The reading is from the website below.
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