Sermon on the Mount

 Reading the scriptures and getting inspired by some passages is the journey of transformation where man brings into his consciousness the divinity as expressed by the Lord in this case Jesus Christ who spoke these words. Many of the words after some days of repetition become rote chanting light with very little going by transformation. Yet in the last few days certain words are ringing so clearly and loudly that this passage is now becoming a common central scripture. I will take the whole passage and try to contextually explain how the difficult situations can be overcome by this lovely passage. As I started writing this blog last night I heard the news of the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh who also could take comfort from this scripture.

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.

These verses clearly indicate that poverty, difficulties,suffering makes one humble and meek but Jesus assures us that the meek shall finally inherit the earth. The life of Dr. Singh seems to be a proof of this statement as he never spoke but maintained a dignified silence in the face of the worst humiliation.

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.

Jesus also ensures that those who can forgive in the face of the worst attacks remain pure in heart and usher in peace in this world.  

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.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

History is always kinder or sometimes more cruel in hindsight and is replete with great persons who are abused and persecuted during their lives only later their worth is acknowledged. The petty jealous persons persecuted prophets and did not even spare Christ himself. Therefore if you face persecution you need to rejoice for it is possible that greater rewards await you in the next life. It is the humility and the example set by such men that shines forth and inspires others. 

2
Ye have heard that it hath been said,
Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you,

Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so?

Be ye therefore perfect,
even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Now Jesus comes to the hardest task of all to love those who hate you. Not just love such persons but shower your blessings and do good to such persons. He wants us to pray for them and gives the metaphor how his Father in heaven never discriminates between the good and evil or the just and unjust. He urges us to rise above the pettiness shown by small men termed derisively as publicans (show persons who are fake and false). He urges man to strive for perfection in the task of Self realization in the shadow of the personality of great Lord.

3
Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever.

Finally the devotional strand comes out in the last verse when faith that there is Father in heaven actually directing and becoming a guide among the chaos and yet remaining unattached. The quality of unconditional forgiveness which children  and innocent is possess is emphasized. Also the devil of temptation and desire can destroy us and surrendering to temptation will be distavorous. 

The present situation al over the world is to have leaders who are authoritarian, autocratic and who rule by fear, but the sermon on the mount and it's message proves that there is hope and it is the gentle good leaders who will ultimately inherit the world much like Dr. Manmohan Singh. 

Vispi Jokhi