Sunday 05 November 2023

Psalm 34:1-10, 22

Background

Tradition tells us that Matthew's Gospel was authored by Matthew the tax collector, the disciple of Jesus. There is also an understanding that Matthew took Mark’s Gospel as his primary source. As is clear, Matthew's Gospel is considerably longer than Mark's, and some suggest the use of an outside source which we do not have. Although written in Greek, it is believed that the original may have been in Aramaic as the style is much in that tradition. Matthew uses many Old Testament references and the opening section, containing the birth of Jesus, is from that genre.

The theme is the teaching of Jesus, of which Matthew offers more than the other gospel writers and, importantly, we are introduced to the kingdom of heaven as a central consideration.

Chapter five follows the calling of the disciples and the journey of healing Jesus had taken through Galilee. This had drawn crowds from all of the surrounding regions to hear him and is the beginning of his teaching ministry.

Today’s reading is an example of both Matthew’s emphases. The beatitudes are the opening of Jesus’s teaching ministry. But the theme is introduced in 4:17 where he proclaimed: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Here he goes on to point the way to the kingdom.

The beatitudes seem to offer hope to us in whatever state our spirit is at any time. But many people struggle with the almost negative stress of these blessings as they appear to offer nothing to the strong, able, untroubled people of the world. They are directed at the righteous, the morally correct.

To Ponder:

• In what way do you think your life fits with these blessings?
• How do you react to the final 'blessing'?