To read the texts click on the texts: Est. 4:1, 3-5, 12-14;Mt 7:7-12
The
text of today consists of three imperatives: Ask, Seek and Knock. These imperatives
are based on three unconditional promises: you will receive, you will find and
it will be opened. While the point made here is of perseverance in prayer and
not giving up it is not the focal point. The reason for this perseverance is
God’s goodness and gratuitousness. Thus, it is not human asking, seeking and
knocking that is the focal point, but God, who remains the actor. The reason
why humans must ask, seek and knock is in order to acknowledge their dependence
on God. Ultimately it is always God who is in control. That this is the point
that Matthew makes is clear in the explanation that follows. If human fathers
who are weak, frail and selfish themselves would never give their children
anything that would be to their detriment, how much more will God give what is
good to those who acknowledge their dependence on him by asking?
The
last verse of today is what is known as “The Golden Rule’ and serves as the
conclusion not just to this section but to the whole Sermon. The addition here
of the clause “for this is the law and prophets” results in this verse forming
an inclusion with the similar clause in 5:17 which began the theme of the
Sermon. Also by adding the words “In everything” before the rule, Matthew makes
it all inclusive. There are numerous parallels to the Golden rule but most of
them are stated in the negative form. Here it is positive; “do to others as you
have them do to you”. This is initiatory and not retaliatory or reciprocal. It
means in other words that the disciple is the one who takes the initiative in
doing always the most loving thing to others.
No comments:
Post a Comment
You may use the "Anonymous" option to leave a comment if you do not possess a Google Account. But please leave your name and URL as www.errolsj.com