Matthew 5:21-37
Epiphany 6 A
J. J.
May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight,
O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. (Ps. 19:14)
“Murderers, Tramps, and Liars”
In our Gospel reading, we hear Jesus continue His sermon on the Mount. He has discussed blessedness: blessed are the poor, blessed are the meek. Cool stuff. We liked that. Now He gets to some of the heavy lifting.
Jesus is talking about the biggies: murderers, philanderers, and liars. Heavy-weights indeed. It’s a pretty good list. Throughout the world, nobody likes a liar or a cheat (which just lying put into motion). Murder is universally condemned. And everywhere too much philandery is regarded as shameful. It was a good list then, and it’s still a list that we can use, and need, today. When isn’t the news cram-jammed full of murder, trists, or lying? Or all of them. "Jesus, you sure picked some good ones. Get after them," we think.
“Whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.”
Right on.
“You shall not commit adultery.”
Yeah. Preach it, Jesus.
“Do not swear falsely.”
That’s right.
“And do what you said you will do.”
Don’t you know it! You can never depend on anyone any more, and it really burns my britches. You tell ‘em, Jesus. You tell ‘em.
Jesus elaborates.
“Just tell the truth, mean it, and keep it. Don’t even swear in the first place.” It’s not your right to swear. God’s name is God’s, not yours. Heaven belongs to Him. He has the say-so over it, so don’t you say anything about it.
Well, now, Jesus. I get the part about telling the truth, and yes, I should follow through and keep my word. And I do. Well, most of the time. Or at least some of the time. But this no swearing, what am I going to say? All of those words pop out like toast out of a toaster. They punch up what I’m saying. I’d sound all namby-pamby if I didn’t spice up my smack with a little a color, don’t you know?
Jesus doesn’t blink. Jesus doesn’t budge. He just goes on.
“Whoever looks with lust is already guilty of adultery.”
Whoa, Jesus, whoa. Don’t you know that I be minding my business, and something comes into view?
“Cut it out,” Jesus say. Literally. And lest someone figure, “well, since I’m already guilty, I might as well let my actions caught up with my thoughts.” “Cut it out,” He repeats, “you don’t want to burn in hell.”
Okay, okay. Some like it hot, but ain’t nobody like it that hot.
Jesus doesn’t backtrack. Jesus moves on.
“Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”
Now, now, You’d be angry too, if You knew what he did to me? What’s that? Oh, You do know.
“Whoever insults his brother has to ask to the church council.”
Church council, big deal.
“Whoever calls his brother a fool, will face the fire of hell.
Hellfire? That’s for those cheats and liars, and for those tramps. Yes, I called him a fool. You said to tell the truth, and I only called him a fool ‘cause he is one. And a big one, too. Fool!
Jesus continues.
“If there is a bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness toward another, stop what you are doing, even if it is bringing an offering. Go and make peace with him, then come back and give thanks to God.”
St. John writes in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, chapter 22: “Blessed are those who enter the city, but outside are the murderers, the adulteries, and all who make or love lies.”
And that is as it should be. Who wants murderers, tramps, or liars with them for eternity? But there’s a problem. The problem is the murderers, tramps, and liars, aren’t who we think they are. Jesus doesn’t leave much wriggle room. Maybe I tell the truth and keep my word. Maybe I’m not a tramp, although one would have to walk around blindfolded to avoid all that, since all that is out there now. But if calling another a fool carries the same consequence – a hot and smokey one – as being a drive-by gangbanger, then don’t be foolish. Is that grudge, that bitterness, resentment, is that unforgiveness worth it?
Jesus says in the very next chapter, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” They do the wrong, but because of our stubborn unforgiveness we suffer the consequences. How foolish is that? Who is being the big fool now?
Jesus doesn’t leave any way out. The shoe fits and I have to wear it: Murderer. Tramp. Liar. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be on the outside, with the murderers, tramps, and liars, even though I am one. I want to be in the City of God. How about you? What then shall we do?
The way out of being out, is the way in. And it’s the only way in. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, ” He says. “Repent,” turn away, turn around, don’t look back. “Repent, and believe the Gospel, for the kingdom of God is at hand.” The Gospel that Jesus wore the shoe that fits so we don’t have to. He walked in our ways that we might walk in His ways. That I – fool that I am – am able to forgive my brother – fool that he is. Not in my power, but in the power and forgiveness of Christ. If Christ forgives, and He does, who am I to say, “no forgiveness for you”? Am I greater than Christ? How arrogant, prideful, and – here it is again – foolish of me.
So, my fellow murderers, tramps, and liars, - if any of those fit you as well – listen up. Christ has forgiven us, forgiven you and me, and redeemed us. Murderers no more are we. Tramps no more. Liars no more. We are going into the City of God. What about our life now? Well murderers murder, so a murderer no more, murders no more. No more grudges, no more unforgiveness, no more, “Fool!” Christ is the way inside. He is the way out of no way out. Christ is the truth that liars need, and He is the Life that restores life, both to those who murdered, and those who have suffered murder. Murderers no more, tramps no more, liars no more, are we.
For Christ has died. Christ is risen. And Christ shall come again. Amen.
S. D. G.
