Journal #3 by Patrick Roy

One major idea of this Chapter was the Beatitudes. They are related to the Ten Commandments. As Moses went up to Mount Sinai to recieve the Ten Commandments, Jesus went up on a mountain to teach them. The Beatitudes are called the Ten Commandments of the New Testament. Both the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes offer guidance for an effective way of living in faith of God. Both also teach different things. The Beatitudes are secrets to happiness in this lifetime, while the Ten Commandments are a law and can make your life harsh. Also, the Ten Commandments are the way a person should live, while the Beatitudes express more understanding of the law of love which promotes attitudes of compassion and justice towards life.
2. Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.
One idea I want to remember is the similarity between the Sermon on the Mount and Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. Both happen at a time when two new, great leaders (Moses and Jesus) go on a mountain where a new law is brought forth. Jesus’ new law was the Beatitudes while Moses’ new law was the Ten Commandments. I want people to remember this idea mainly because it is an important connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Another idea I would like to remember is the Temptation Narrative. (Matthew 4:1-11.) This portrays Jesus countering all of Satan's temptations with Scripture passages. This reminds us that in the fight against evil, the only weapon we have to defend ourselves is what we have within us. These weapons are the grace and strength coming from being centered with the Lord. Jesus trusted God and reused to compromise and succumb to the untrue promises of Satan. He instead chose to live by these three values: the Word of God, God's power and promises, and wosrship and service to God. Jesus continued to hold firm to these values and resisted evil. We need to do this in everyday situations, as temptations are brought up in the everyday world.
3. One image that captures the chapter for you.

4. One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal.
Why are some parables in the Gospel of Matthew not explained so the reader can understand them more clearly?
5. Nominate/Link an organization that is living the Gospel in today's world. Provide link and tell how this organization lives the mesage.

Habitat for HumanityHabitat for Humanity is a Christian organization that provides affordable, well built houses for poor families all across the globe. Founded in 1976 by Miller and Linda Fuller, it has since provided the poverty stricken with over 200,000 houses worldwide. In most peoples mind, including mine, this is a very important organization. Without a house what can a family do? The answer is not too much. This organization has given so many people the opportunity to have worthwhile lives and is truly inspirational. I hope that they continue to keep doing what they are doing and making people's lives so much better. This organization is truly living the Gospel in today's world.
Habitat for Humanity