Our Moral Life in Christ Chapter 8 Journal

By John Clohisy

1. Assigned reflection on the Sermon on the Mount...
Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount give us a new, updated set of moral guidelines since Moses received the Decalogue on Mt. Sinai. Jesus tells us, however, that He did not come to make the Commandments obsolete, but to reveal the true meaning of the Old Testament, to express what the law and the prophets wished to say, and thus bring it to fulfillment. His picture of the role of His Disciples portrays them as the Light of the World and the Salt of the Earth. His Beatitudes bless the poor in spirit, the sorrowing, the lowly, those who hunger and thirst for holiness, the merciful, the single hearted, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for holiness' sake. Instead of a negative morality like the Commandments which tell us what not to do, the Beatitudes are a positive morality and provide goals to strive for. We are told not to hold anger against our brother. Even if we lust for a woman, we have already committed adultery in our hearts, and divorce is considered adulterous. We are told to turn the other cheek and our intentions must be pure. Overall, we must treat others as we wish to be treated.

2. Photo of a key idea...

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (image taken from jimmymccarty.wordpress.com/quotes/)
Bonhoeffer was faced with a very monumental decision when he was forced to deal with what to do with Hitler. His honest search for the truth and the right thing to do is a perfect example of the Pure Intentions Jesus speaks of in His Sermon on the Mount.

3. Two major ideas from this section...
As we have just begun studying Catholic social teaching, we are being introduced to new ways of of thinking of society and new concepts for treating other human beings. As Catholics, solidarity must play a great part in our thoughts, words, and actions (as is noted in Jesuit secondary education) towards others and God. Solidarity includes a sense of unity that goes beyond simple self-interest and helps us grow closer to one another, and in turn, God. We must hold each other in high regard to overcome the natural tendencies that cause us to put ourselves first. Our text by Rodger Charles, S.J. provides us a relatively simple basis for true solidarity, and his basis has helped me to understand solidarity more fully and has given me more insight to why it makes so much sense. Charles states "...the soundest basis for such solidarity is the truth that the whole human race is made in God's image and likeness, and that all men and women are therefore entitled to be treated accordingly, to be given their rights and be expected to accept their responsibilities as sons and daughters of God."
Our studies of Catholic social teaching also led us to William J. O'Malley, S.J.'s (see his article on why to be a Catholic) article on the Moral Practice of Jesus. Overall, the essential morality that Jesus teaches can be summed up in two concepts: love and forgiveness. As Christians we must follow Jesus' teachings, and his teachings on morality are some of the most important. When we respond to the call of solidarity we find it easier to love each other. We must also realize that we are not perfect, and we must forgive others as God does.

4. One key question dealing with the material...
How must we treat those who are trying to do us harm?
Jesus teaches us to turn the other cheek when others threaten us. A great example of this attitude is Julio Diaz, who was stolen from, yet offered his attacker his own jacket. The criminal was moved when he saw Diaz's compassion and was most likely changed for life. Jesus wants us to show others love so that they might be changed for the better.