Bookends to Matthew's Gospel

When reading the Gospel of Matthew there are two sections that have intrigued me and they are the “Beatitudes and The Judgement of the Nations.” I like to call them bookends since the very essence contained within them are similar to a beginning and end of a novel. I realize there is an Infancy narrative chapters 1 - 2 and a solemn conclusion chapters 26 - 28. But the significance of this book lies within the five smaller books that comprise this gospel and the beatitudes and final judgement present a very profound theme to this penetrating story of Jesus.

Let’s begin by analyzing the beatitudes and the impact this section has on Jesus’ followers and consequently us as well. Take the first beatitude blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Those whose total dependence is upon God and God alone will see to their spiritual needs. St. Leo the Great, Pope, states “that the kingdom of heaven is to be given to those who are distinguished by their humility of soul rather than by their lack of goods.” (office of readings Thursday of the 22nd week in ordinary time).

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. We cannot compare this to feeding multitudes of people or even those who are in dire need of food, but the need for us to seek the correct manner to do what is right. Webster defines righteous as “acting in a just, upright manner; virtuous”. St. Leo the Great, Pope says; “it is a longing to be blessed with righteousness, and by penetrating the secret of all mysteries , to be filled with the Lord himself.” (office of readings 23rd Sunday in ordinary time).

The footnote for this beatitude refers the reader to the baptism of Jesus; and the dialogue between Jesus and the Baptist when John is reluctant to baptize him but Jesus’ reply is “Allow it for now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Mt 3: 15. Fulfillment of prophecy, and righteousness to moral conduct in conformity with God’s will. See footnote to 3: 14-15 New American Bible.

We may see these teachings present a very provocative adherence to the listeners’ attention to Jesus’ words and may very well motivate their desire to go further than just being students of the moment. This should also be the impetus for our readiness to reach out for those we may minister with and present a vehicle for them to seek God’s desire to share His Life and Love with us in a very meaningful manner. Matthew has presented the reader with an opening to the Sermon on the Mount in a way that should promote a sound and clear instruction into the total discourse that follows.

Go to chapter 25 and read the Judgement of the Nations. See in this bookend a very powerful and direct guide as to what it will be like at the meeting with Christ and the trial we shall be obliged to attend. Of all the many instructions Jesus extended to his listeners, which includes anyone who call themselves His followers, these simple subscriptions that are piercing to our intellect will be enough to absolve or convict our attitudes towards our fellow human beings. This alone will be our final judgement and as usual we may look for excuses to cover our did and didn’t do for others.

The questions of what did we do when we saw someone in need and did not reach out in aid? The answer may go like this; Of course, I was busy that day or had a very important appointment and couldn’t be bothered. Or, O’ you mean that person? Well, he/she never was nice to me or always put me down to others and you expected me to do for them?

I warned that person that I would get my revenge on them since they never respected me or had more than I did. Hmm! My response as to why I couldn’t or wouldn’t ever assist one or more persons is simple; they weren’t worthy of my time and money, or better yet, they were different than me; race, creed, orientation, or status. Let one of their own assist them, I am better than they are.

I have a question, if I may be allowed to ask. Why is that person we are talking about standing in a different group than I? It looks as though someone rigged the positions and since I was important in life, with money, status, accepted race and religion why shouldn’t they be made to serve me? Wasn’t I better than them? O’ I see, they worked for the poor, fed the hungry and housed the homeless.

My time was spent at the country club and I gave to the church lots of money. I was always looked up to and had my name in large letters everywhere I went. Isn’t that important? I always believed in some type of power beyond myself, but never knew his name. My parents always tried to impress upon me to care for others. But, I needed to earn money, seek importance, and have others at my beckoned call. Ok, so I did those things and now I’m being rejected because some little person was more generous than I and they got the first place in line while I can’t even find the end of my line. And where is my line going? It seems so dark and endless. It’s cold and relentless. Is there anyone who can help me now?