Monthly Archives: November 2010

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK Matthew 5:5

Posted on November 28, 2010 by xulonjam

So far in the Beatitudes, there seems to be a progression of thought. The Poor in Spirit are those who recognize the paucity – the nonexistence – of their spiritual resources apart from God which leads to Mourning for their … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Ethics, Matthew 5-7, The Sermon on the Mount | 1 Comment

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN Matthew 5:4

Posted on November 25, 2010 by xulonjam

The second Beatitude is Blessed are Those who Mourn (Matthew 5:4). Commentators like to emphasize the paradox, “Happy are the Sad”. Many wish to apply this to people who are suffering some calamity, as if Jesus is making a blanket … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Culture/Society, Ethics, Matthew 5-7, The Sermon on the Mount | Leave a comment

FOR TO THESE BELONG THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN Matthew 5:3

Posted on November 22, 2010 by xulonjam

This is a making up for an omission. In my introduction, I said that I would not be spending time on the “for theirs (yours) is …“ sections of the Beatitudes. I still won’t but I feel I must look … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Matthew 5-7, The Sermon on the Mount, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT Matthew 5:3

Posted on November 17, 2010 by xulonjam

The common name for the first verses of the Sermon on the Mount is The Beatitudes. This comes from the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible where these verses start with beati (blessed). The Greek word is makarioi (μακάριοι). According … Continue reading →

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Post-Racial America

Posted on November 16, 2010 by xulonjam

Recently, there have been analysts who have claimed that America is “post-racial”. “With the election of America’s first black president”, they say, “America has moved beyond the racism of its past”. Such a belief, even in its best and most … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture/Society, Ethics | 3 Comments

The Sermon on the Mount: an Introduction

Posted on November 11, 2010 by xulonjam

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is recorded in Matthew 5-7. There is a retelling of it (or a likely second recorded occasion of Jesus preaching it) in Luke 6. Plus, it is an interesting study to find references to this … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Ethics, Matthew 5-7, The Sermon on the Mount | 2 Comments