Ordinary Days #17: Another Mountain

I have come

   to fulfill the Law. (Sermon on the Mount)

Jesus gathers his recently called disciples on a mountain slope above the Galilean Sea and there proclaims the way of the Kingdom. It’s not a different Word from the Word spoken on Mount Sinai, but rather the fulfillment of Sinai—the God of Sinai made flesh and speaking “not as the scribes, but rather as One having authority” (Mt 7:29). Moses spoke of this day when he said, “God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people” (Dt 18:15).

Jesus calls those gathered at the Mount, “blessed… the salt of the earth…and the light of the world.” He assures those gathered that he will not abolish the Law; but rather “fulfill the Law.” He points to the center and intent of Torah concerning how we behave towards one another: “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets” (Mt 7:12). Or, as he would tell it later to a thoughtful enquirer: “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Mt 22:38-40).

There are ragged edges to the Law—like too much violence, for one thing. But the center holds. And, as for those ragged edges; somehow, Jesus absorbed the violence and vindictiveness on Calvary and set us free to enter the center of Torah where the heart of God dwells.