Sermon on the Mount
The Perfect Measure of the Christian Life
Sermon on the Mount
The Perfect Measure of the Christian Life
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Paperback / softback
£11.99
Publisher: Liturgical Press
ISBN: 9780814635230
Number of Pages: 132
Published: 01/03/2013
Width: 14 cm
Height: 21 cm
Saint Augustine once described the Sermon on the Mount as "the perfect measure of the Christian life." Taking his cue from Augustine, Frank Matera provides an exposition of the sermon for contemporary readers who wish to use the sermon as the standard by which they live their lives every day.
Matera shows how the Sermon on the Mount summons believers to single-minded devotion and wholehearted service to God. He unfolds the historical and theological background to the sermon. He explores the meaning of the individual Beatitudes, which articulate Jesus' call for a more abundant righteousness, piety without hypocrisy, and the need to become "doers" of the Word.
This lively and engaging commentary is an ideal resource for adult education and Bible study groups. It is also ideal for all who want to live their discipleship more fully.
Contents
Preface ix
Introduction: The Sermon on the Mount and the Christian Life 1
The Sermon on the Mount as the Norm of Discipleship 3
The Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain 5
The Sermon on the Mount within the Gospel of Matthew 9
The Structure and Theme of the Sermon on the Mount 12
The Text of the Sermon on the Mount 14
1 The Blessings of the Kingdom and the Nature of Discipleship 27
The Disciples and the Crowds (5:1-2 ) 28
The Disciples’ Assurance of Beatitude (5:3-12) 30
Blessed are the poor in spirit (5:3) 32
Blessed are those who mourn (5:4) 34
Blessed are the meek (5:5) 35
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (5:6) 37
Blessed are the merciful (5:7) 38
Blessed are the pure in heart (5:8) 40
Blessed are the peacemakers (5:9) 41
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (5:10) 42
Blessed are you when people revile you (5:11-12) 43
The Disciples and World (5:13-16) 44
2 Living a More Abundant Righteousness 47
The Law and the Prophets Fulfilled (5:17-20) 47
The Six Antitheses (5:21-48) 50
Not even anger (5:21-26) 52
Not even the lustful look (5:27-30) 53
Faithfulness to one’s spouse (5:31-32) 55
Telling the truth at all times (5:33-37) 57
Overcoming evil through love (5:38-42) 60
Loving even the enemy (5:43-48) 62
3 Piety without Hypocrisy 67
The Danger of Hypocrisy (6:1) 70
Giving in Secret (6:2-4) 71
Praying in Secret (6:5-6) 73
How to Pray (6:7-15) 74
Fasting in Secret (6:16-18) 84
4 Single-Minded Devotion to God 86
Where Your Treasure Is (6:19-21) 88
If Your Eye Is Sound (6:22-23) 89
Only One Master (6:24) 91
Do Not Be Anxious (6:25-34) 92
Do Not Judge (7:1-5) 97
Protecting What Is Holy (7:6) 100
Asking with Confidence (7:7-11) 102
The Law and the Prophets (7:12) 104
5 The Need to Do Jesus’ Words 106
The Two Ways (7:13-14) 107
False Prophets (7:15-23) 109
Doers of the Word (7:24-26) 113
The Authority of Jesus’ Word (7:28-29) 115
For Further Reading 119
Preface ix
Introduction: The Sermon on the Mount and the Christian Life 1
The Sermon on the Mount as the Norm of Discipleship 3
The Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain 5
The Sermon on the Mount within the Gospel of Matthew 9
The Structure and Theme of the Sermon on the Mount 12
The Text of the Sermon on the Mount 14
1 The Blessings of the Kingdom and the Nature of Discipleship 27
The Disciples and the Crowds (5:1-2 ) 28
The Disciples’ Assurance of Beatitude (5:3-12) 30
Blessed are the poor in spirit (5:3) 32
Blessed are those who mourn (5:4) 34
Blessed are the meek (5:5) 35
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (5:6) 37
Blessed are the merciful (5:7) 38
Blessed are the pure in heart (5:8) 40
Blessed are the peacemakers (5:9) 41
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (5:10) 42
Blessed are you when people revile you (5:11-12) 43
The Disciples and World (5:13-16) 44
2 Living a More Abundant Righteousness 47
The Law and the Prophets Fulfilled (5:17-20) 47
The Six Antitheses (5:21-48) 50
Not even anger (5:21-26) 52
Not even the lustful look (5:27-30) 53
Faithfulness to one’s spouse (5:31-32) 55
Telling the truth at all times (5:33-37) 57
Overcoming evil through love (5:38-42) 60
Loving even the enemy (5:43-48) 62
3 Piety without Hypocrisy 67
The Danger of Hypocrisy (6:1) 70
Giving in Secret (6:2-4) 71
Praying in Secret (6:5-6) 73
How to Pray (6:7-15) 74
Fasting in Secret (6:16-18) 84
4 Single-Minded Devotion to God 86
Where Your Treasure Is (6:19-21) 88
If Your Eye Is Sound (6:22-23) 89
Only One Master (6:24) 91
Do Not Be Anxious (6:25-34) 92
Do Not Judge (7:1-5) 97
Protecting What Is Holy (7:6) 100
Asking with Confidence (7:7-11) 102
The Law and the Prophets (7:12) 104
5 The Need to Do Jesus’ Words 106
The Two Ways (7:13-14) 107
False Prophets (7:15-23) 109
Doers of the Word (7:24-26) 113
The Authority of Jesus’ Word (7:28-29) 115
For Further Reading 119
Fr. Frank Matera's The Sermon on the Mount is the fruit of a life's work of pastoral ministry and the highest level of biblical scholarship. It is simple and accessible, but scholars will recognize its author as a guide who has command of the exegetical issues and yet distills that expertise for a general audience. Matera masterfully navigates problems commonly raised about the Sermon. He presents it as an invitation to and accessible to all, and yet only possible to those who have known conversion as part of a community of disciples. It is exalted and challenging, yet truly attainable. The life it portrays is ethical, yet ultimately a gift and promise. Readers of all backgrounds will profit immeasurably from this book.William Mattison, Associate Professor of Moral Theology, Catholic University The centrality of the Sermon on the Mount for Christian faith is undeniable. With his classic clarity and succinct style, Frank Matera captures 'the perfect measure' of the Sermon that has inspired Christians throughout the ages to follow Jesus Christ. In this deceptively small book, Matera offers an impressive interpretation of Jesus' teaching that is attentive to both ethical and spiritual dimensions of the text. This book can serve very well in classroom settings, Bible study groups, or simply for personal spiritual enrichment. I highly recommend it.Ronald D. Witherup, SS, Superior General of the Society of Saint Sulpice in Paris, France, and author of numerous books on the Bible and theology Accessible to anyone in the church who seeks to have a faith and life informed by this central and most meaningful sermon of Jesus.
Interpretation
