A Lenten Reading of Matthew - Day Eleven

Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:13-29 (NRSVUE)

As we finish the Sermon on the Mount, I harken back for the words of Jesus when he tells us not to worry!  I recognize that on some days, my fruit tastes better than others.  The nervousness comes when we wonder, "What if I get judged when I'm having a bad day?"

Will I be the one crying out, "Lord, Lord!" only to have Jesus tell me, "I never knew you!"

So, we have to remember how this sermon starts - with the extolling of mercy and peacemaking.  It begins with righteousness or having higher regard for the outsider. 

May our life in Christ give us confidence
no matter what comes!

Jesus seems to be saying that if we don't develop these things for our lives, we may be washed away when the storms come.  Notice that he indicates that just because someone is faithful, doesn't mean the storm won't come for them as well.  It just means that they will be better prepared for it.

It could be that if I have made a practice of extending mercy to others, I might be better equipped to receive it when I need it.  And it may be that I need it when I'm having a bad fruit day!

The theology of Jesus in this sermon is a practical one.  It is not esoteric or abstract.  He lays out the life and expects his disciples to follow.  As we continue in the season of Lent, we seek to walk with Jesus.  These teachings may remind us that Jesus is seeking to walk with us.  When we can put them into practice or at least practice putting them into practice, we may find a greater depth to this practical theology.

As you think over these three chapters, which fruit will you commit to exhibiting today?  Jesus is telling us, "Be a doer, not just a hearer (or reader)."

Prayer for the day:

Inspire our actions, Lord, and accompany them with your help, so that our every word and action may always begin and end in you.  Amen.

Prayer from Roman Catholic tradition within the Liturgy of the Hours

Photo from Tom Clifton via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.