(Each Saturday, a faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com)
According to Matthew, at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, He sat down on a mountaintop (more likely a hilltop) and shared with His disciples (and others who were also following along) what we now know as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7).
The Sermon began with the Beatitudes, and their call to humility, purity, righteousness and peacemaking. It continued with the condemnation of anger, lust, revenge and religious hypocrisy. In the middle, Jesus gave to His disciples (then and now) the beautiful, exemplary prayer that we know as the Lord’s Prayer. This is followed by warnings against materialism, worry and judging others. The Sermon is not all about “thou shalt not do” but is very much about what “thou shall do,” with Jesus’ encouragement and call to His followers to pray at all times and in all circumstances, to live by the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), and bear good fruit, and to build their lives on the solid foundation (“rock”) of faith.
Many scholars and religious leaders of all faiths (including Mahatma Gandhi), have recognized the Sermon on the Mount as the “greatest ethical teaching” in human history. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote about it this way, “Humanely speaking, we could understand and interpret the Sermon on the Mount in a thousand different ways. Jesus knows only one possibility: simple surrender and obedience, not interpreting it or applying it, but doing and obeying it.” Or we might say — living it! As ethical teaching, the Sermon on the Mount has much to say to all people in all times and places.
Just after giving the Beatitudes, Jesus tells His disciples (then and now) that they (we) are to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” He says, that being “salt” and “light” have a purpose. Salt to help preserve or give flavor. Light, to shine in the darkness so that all may see. He goes on to say that if salt has lost its properties, it is worthless and should be thrown out. And, that the light is not to be kept to one’s self, but is to be shared with everyone. Both salt and light are to make a difference in people’s lives.
Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (and throughout the Gospels) seek to transform not only individual lives, but our entire world — including the economic, social and all other aspects of life. His teachings are not academic, theoretical or theological, but rather quite practical: to forgive unconditionally (admittedly, not that easy), to renounce all violence, to stay faithful in our relationships, to live free from materialism and wealth, to serve the least and lowest, to welcome the stranger, to give up all power over others, and to work for justice and peace. I can think of quite a few issues that face us in today’s world that these apply to: immigration, caring for our environment, food insecurity, homelessness, racial relations, the dignity of women and children, gun violence, the ever increasing divide between the “haves” and “have nots” — not just in our own country, but around the world, the lack of understanding and tolerance between cultures and religions, etc. The list goes on and on!
While “thoughts and prayers” are an important part of our life together, as Christians (individually and as communities of faith), we are called to be salt, light and to bear good fruit — to make a difference — for others. Our faith is to be shared in deeds of kindness, forgiveness, caring, non-violence, fairness, acceptance of those who are different, and peacemaking in all of our relationships — and toward all of God’s children throughout all of God’s world.
And Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
The Rev. Jim Ewen has been the Pastor of the Central Congregational Church over the past six years. He is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and is also the part-time Recreation Director for the Town of Sunderland.
Central Congregational Church of New Salem (United Church of Christ) was formed as the Orthodox Congregational Church in 1845. The church met in the Town Hall until the present “meeting house” was constructed in 1853. In 1934, the church became incorporated and changed its name to the Central Congregational Church of New Salem. Upon the construction of the Quabbin Reservoir, the North Dana Universalist Church gave its pipe organ, pews, pulpit and carpet to the New Salem Church. Similarly, the Enfield Congregational Church gave its bell to the Church. All (but the carpet) are still in use today!
Worship services are held weekly on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. The congregation enjoys a variety of music as an integral part of each service. The church on the hilltop in New Salem is referred to as “The Little Church with a Big Faith.” The congregation has an active prayer and Bible study life, and is involved in the community and with local and worldwide mission ministries. Join us for worship (and more) — all are welcome!