Sermon on the Mount Reflections

Two things standout the most to me about Christ's Sermon on the Mount.

The first thing that really stands out is that the essence of his teaching is about how we relate to our fellow human beings. Here is just one of the many sections where Christ is emphasizing how we treat our brothers and sisters.

"But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

It is amazing that we tend to forget the most simple truth that God is not pleased to accept our offering if we our quarreling with our brothers or sisters.

In the language of our tradition we would speak about this in terms of aparadha, and it is said that even if one is chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra but is committing offenses one may go on chanting for millions of births but not get the treasure of love of God.


The second thing that really stands out is that he specifically says that salvation is not dependent just on claiming to be a follower of himself but depends on how we do the will of God. Which is of course exactly the opposite of what most Christians believe and practice.

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Of course we find a similar parallels in our own tradition. The substance of genuine spiritual practice becomes replaced by ritualistic practice and belief.