An Easter Homily

From the Sermon On the Mount:

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.


Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.


Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

The Gospel According to Matthew.

The Beatitudes provide a philosophical basis for an Augustinian view of Christianity that I’m not comfortable with. “Don’t worry about your suffering now, you’ll get yours later on in Heaven.” I know that isn’t all to be learned from them, or even an accurate interpretation; but, that “lesson” is often all that is taken from them. This attitude gives license to the powerful and creates acquiescence in the masses. Coupled with the “render unto Caesar” rule, people get the idea that they are stuck with government that is anything but godly.

My libertarian mindset and conservative fiscal viewpoint are having a hard time accommodating these socially liberal sentiments because to change, money and regulation would have to be applied.

Well, the Sunday morning Homily is supposed to make you think. I’m thinking, I’m just not done yet.

(Impetus for this post provided by posts this morning by Lifehiker, Hedy and Becky (Girl In...). See Sidebar.)