Week 1 Journal
1. Sermon the Mount Reflection
Through the study of the Sermon on the Mount, I have come to realize a few things. Through the intro questions I learned that I usually do not perform what should be the moral, Christian act. Sometimes, I think I’m acting out of habit (how I treat my enemies) or some out of fear (last time I saw a fight). What seems strange is that what I know is the moral act, often seems the unnatural. I don’t think its possible to escape lustful thoughts. I don’t think even cutting out your eye would help with that [“And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out” (Mark 9:47)]. I really don’t desire those material goods that so many people want. Instead I just want the feeling that I did something with my life. But still I seem to fall into the same patterns as many people with completely different desires. My only thought is that it comes from having some of the same social pressures.�
As another point, I think I have come to the realization that there must be something really valuable to Jesus’ message in the Sermon on the Mount because so much of it seems overbearing and way over the top. True value must shine through for something that seems almost crazy to last so long as a major social teaching. I just struggle how someone can ever find a way to avoid anger all of his or her life. To avoid lustful thought, to love your enemies, it seems near impossible. But we are shown living example with Martin Luther King Jr. and Julio Diaz. It is these lofty goals of Jesus that makes Penance seem necessary.
2. Image
3. 2 Key Ideas
One key idea I want to remember is solidarity. The idea that we are all part of a single social identity and part of one family seems to help with the idea that we must love our enemy because he is also our brother. We are all part of a single body in Christ. It is because of this connection of “brotherhood” that we must strive to live those lofty goals set by Jesus. Our unity is why we are called to help out fellow man. And when do help out man, we are growing closer to God. That may be why some people enjoy volunteering so much.
Another key idea that I want to remember is Fr. O’Malley’s idea that the only requisite in the moral practices of Jesus is admitting one’s need of forgiveness. O’Malley says that Jesus does not harshly condemn any sin except that of the Pharisees who failed to realize what was wrong with their suppositions. He cites the stories of The Adulterous Woman, The Samaritan Woman, The Woman Known as a Sinner, and the Prodigal Son to provide bible reference to his claim. This lets us know that Jesus is willing to stay with us even when we try to move astray from his path. Everything we do that does not fulfill his expectations is redeemable as long as you are sorry.
4. Key Question
How does one come to change their modern bad habits and begin to live a life in Christ?
After some deep reflection, I have come to realize that living out Jesus’ mission is a life long process. The first to changing your way of life, is education and realization that you are not living the way you desire. The first step toward change is knowledge. ONce you realize that you want to change, you need to begin to act. Start by setting realistic goals� (go a week without lying, to not provoke others into anger, etc.). The higher ideals of Jesus seem nearly impossible to live out. But positive, short-term goals seem much easier. It is also very important to keep in mind that you probably will screw up sometime. that is why the sacrament of Reconciliation exists. We expect Jesus to continue to love us even when we mess up, just the same as Jesus expects us to continue to strive to a life for Him.