Inspiring Moral Imagination

Matthew 5:1-12

Inspiring Moral Imagination

 

        I have a hard time understanding Millennials. If you are unfamiliar with the term, this includes folks born between the years 1980 and 2000. There is nothing wrong with Millennials. They just approach life differently. When I was a kid playing sports I was inspired by coaches who ate nails for breakfast. There was no substitute for winning. The formulae for success was out-working and out-sweating your opponent. Today I attend athletic events where Millennial parents hug their children and say, “Way to go Buddy. You did your best.” My Millennial children are wonderful parents and a whole lot nicer than I ever was. Yet I am still bothered that I have a grandson whose favorite part of any athletic endeavor is the snacks at the end of the game.

        I am convinced when preaching the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was speaking to a bunch of Millennials. Ever take a close look at the Beatitudes? They are just a candy coated version of the Ten Commandments. Back in our day we loved the authoritative message of those principled decrees. We went around nailing them up the 10 Commandments in churches, schools, and Court House. We wanted everyone to know what you should not do! Admittedly, our version has swayed a bit from the original.

DO NOT worship more than one God.

DO NOT wear anything but a cross around your neck.

DO NOT mention God and damn in the same sentence.

DO NOT go anywhere but to church on Sunday.

DO NOT MAKE YOUR PARENT’S LOOK BAD.

DO NOT KILL anyone from your tribe.

DO NOT get caught COMMITING ADULTRY.

DO NOT STEAL from your neighbor.

DO NOT LIE except in cases of national security.

DO NOT COVET a white BMW convertible.

 

What’s wrong with a little negativity to highlight one’s godly obligations? Maybe Jesus believed the John the Baptist approach had turned a lot of people off. Standing in front of folks his own age, Jesus said, “You are blest when you demonstrate humility. You are blest when you become a peaceful presence. You are blest when you open your hearts to others. You are blest when you show mercy to those who cry for justice.”

The Irish poet John O’Donohue writes, “A blessing evokes a sense of warmth and protection. A blessing suggests no life is alone or unreachable. Blessings clothe us in a spiritually raiment which secretly links us to one another. Though suffering and chaos may surround us, they can never quench the inner light of God’s holy blessing.”

This is hard stuff. I like the 10 Commandments. I have been taught from day one that suffering is redemptive and by god nothing causes more spiritual anguish than trying to live up to those Mosaic Regulations. Now Jesus shows up and not only changes the regulations but also their focus.

The Commandments are about me. The Beatitudes are about us. The Commandments warn I better not kill, steal, lie, or commit adultery. The Beatitudes invite us to live in a trusting community where we might become a blessing to each other. My ancient understanding of the Commandments eventually leads some down a path of shame. Jesus’ reframing of those ancient decrees offers the discovery of still waters where souls are nurtured and restored.

Jesus sat among a bunch of millennials who didn’t want to respond to an ancient code that made them feel guilty. Hearing their pain Jesus offered these words. Listen and ponder the soothing ointment Jesus placed on their wounds.

Blessed are you who discover the secret of life is not tied to wealth or privilege.        (stop)

Blessed are you who grieve over the loss of another.

(stop)

Blessed are you not obsessed with power for a moment but the future of coming generations.         (stop)

Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for a caring and just society.      (stop)

Blessed are you who have learned to forgive and show compassion toward the one who hurt you.      (stop)

Blessed are you who set aside an anxious moment and fill it with the traveling mercies of God.    (stop)

Blessed are you who imitate God by bringing harmony and grace to moments of strife and conflict.   (stop)

Blessed are you who are persecuted by the anxieties and prejudices of others. Never forget, you are standing on the Godly side of history.    (Stop)

Then Jesus broke some bread, poured some wine, and blessed them with a Holy Snack.

        To God be the glory.  Amen.