The Word Am I

The Gospel According to St. Matthew

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- Chapter 5 -

1
Then, seeing the crowds, he ascended the mountain, and when he had sat down, his disciples drew near to him,
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and opening his mouth, he taught them, saying:

The Beatitudes

(Psalm 1:1–6; Luke 6:20–23)
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“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.(a)
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Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth.
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Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be consoled.
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Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.
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Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
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Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
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Blessed are those who endure persecution for the sake of justice, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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Blessed are you when they have slandered you, and persecuted you, and spoken all kinds of evil against you, falsely, for my sake:
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be glad and exult, for your reward in heaven is plentiful. For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Salt and Light

(Mark 9:49–50; Luke 14:34–35; Philippians 2:12–18)
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You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, with what will it be salted? It is no longer useful at all, except to be cast out and trampled under by men.
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You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
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And they do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that it may shine to all who are in the house.(b)
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So then, let your light shine in the sight of men, so that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father, who is in heaven.

The Fulfillment of the Law

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Do not think that I have come to loosen the law or the prophets. I have not come to loosen, but to fulfill.(c)
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Amen I say to you, certainly, until heaven and earth pass away, not one iota, not one dot shall pass away from the law, until all is done.(d)
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Therefore, whoever will have loosened one of the least of these commandments, and have taught men so, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever will have done and taught these, such a one shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
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For I say to you, that unless your justice has surpassed that of the scribes and the Pharisees you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.(e)

Anger and Reconciliation

(Luke 12:57–59)
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You have heard that it was said to the ancients: ‘You shall not murder; whoever will have murdered shall be liable to judgment.’(f)
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But I say to you, that anyone who becomes angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment. But whoever will have called his brother, ‘Idiot,’ shall be liable to the council. Then, whoever will have called him, ‘Worthless,’ shall be liable to the fires of Hell.(g) (h) (i) (j) (k)
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Therefore, if you offer your gift at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you,
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leave your gift there, before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to your brother, and then you may approach and offer your gift.
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Be reconciled with your adversary quickly, while you are still on the way with him, lest perhaps the adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you will be thrown in prison.
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Amen I say to you, that you shall not go forth from there, until you have repaid the last quarter.

Adultery

(Leviticus 18:1–30)
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You have heard that it was said to the ancients: ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
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But I say to you, that anyone who will have looked at a woman, so as to lust after her, has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
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And if your right eye causes you to sin, root it out and cast it away from you. For it is better for you that one of your members perish, than that your whole body be cast into Hell.(l)
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And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it away from you. For it is better for you that one of your members perish, than that your whole body go into Hell.

Divorce

(Deuteronomy 24:1–5; Luke 16:18)
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And it has been said: ‘Whoever would dismiss his wife, let him give her a bill of divorce.’
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But I say to you, that anyone who will have dismissed his wife, except in the case of fornication, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever will have married her who has been dismissed commits adultery.

Oaths and Vows

(Numbers 30:1–16)
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Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients: ‘You shall not swear falsely. For you shall repay your oaths to the Lord.’
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But I say to you, do not swear an oath at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God,(m)
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nor by earth, for it is his footstool, nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king.
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Neither shall you swear an oath by your own head, because you are not able to cause one hair to become white or black.
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But let your word ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ For anything beyond that is of evil.

Love Your Enemies

(Leviticus 24:17–23; Luke 6:27–36)
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You have heard that it was said: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’
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But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil, but if anyone will have struck you on your right cheek, offer to him the other also.(n)
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And anyone who wishes to contend with you in judgment, and to take away your tunic, release to him your cloak also.
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And whoever will have compelled you for one thousand steps, go with him even for two thousand steps.
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Whoever asks of you, give to him. And if anyone would borrow from you, do not turn away from him.
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You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and you shall have hatred for your enemy.’
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But I say to you: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. And pray for those who persecute and slander you.
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In this way, you shall be sons of your Father, who is in heaven. He causes his sun to rise upon the good and the bad, and he causes it to rain upon the just and the unjust.
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For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Do not even tax collectors behave this way?(o)
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And if you greet only your brothers, what more have you done? Do not even the pagans behave this way?
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Therefore, be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Footnotes

(a)5:3 The poor in spirit:That is, the humble; and they whose spirit is not set upon riches.(Challoner)
(b)5:15 The word ‘modio’ is actually a unit of dry measure, but, in this context, it refers to the basket used to measure.(Conte)
(c)5:17 To fulfil:By accomplishing all the figures and prophecies; and perfecting all that was imperfect.(Challoner)
(d)5:18 Amen:That is, assuredly of a truth. This Hebrew word, amen, is here retained by the example and authority of all the four Evangelists. It is used by our Lord as a strong asseveration, and affirmation of the truth.(Challoner)
(e)5:20 The scribes and Pharisees:The scribes were the doctors of the law of Moses: the Pharisees were a precise set of men, making profession of a more exact observance of the law: and upon that account greatly esteemed among the people.(Challoner)
(f)5:21 Shall be in danger of the judgment:That is, shall deserve to be punished by that lesser tribunal among the Jews, called the Judgment, which took cognizance of such crimes.(Challoner)
(g)5:22 If a man is accused of murder, he is liable to judgment, in order to determine if he is guilty of murder or if the deceased was guilty (as in cases of self-defense). Similarly, if a man is angry with his brother, he is liable to judgment to determine if he is sinning by his anger, or if his brother is guilty (as in cases of righteous anger). The same applies to the other two cases. Calling someone a name (or, to the same effect, accusing someone of something) makes one liable to judgment. As it is said in the secular courts, the truth is an effective defense against accusations of slander. So the judgment is to determine if the accusation is true, in which case the judgment would be not guilty.(Conte)
(h)5:22 Raca:A word expressing great indignation or contempt.(Challoner)
(i)5:22 Shall be in danger of the council:That is, shall deserve to be punished by the highest court of judicature, called the Council, or Sanhedrim, consisting of seventy-two persons, where the highest causes were tried and judged, which was at Jerusalem.(Challoner)
(j)5:22 You fool:This was then looked upon as a heinous injury, when uttered with contempt, spite, or malice: and therefore is here so severely condemned.(Challoner)
(k)5:22 Shall be in danger of hell fire:literally, according to the Greek, shall deserve to be cast into the Gehenna of fire. Which words our Saviour made use of to express the fire and punishments of hell.(Challoner)
(l)5:29 Scandalize you:That is, if it be a stumblingblock, or occasion of sin to you. By which we are taught to fly the immediate occasions of sin, though they be as dear to us, or as necessary as a hand or an eye.(Challoner)
(m)5:34 Not to swear at all:It is not forbid to swear in truth, justice and judgment; to the honour of God, or our own or neighbour’s just defence: but only to swear rashly, or profanely, in common discourse, and without necessity.(Challoner)
(n)5:39 Not to resist evil, etc:What is here commanded, is a Christian patience under injuries and affronts, and to be willing even to suffer still more, rather than to indulge the desire of revenge: but what is further added does not strictly oblige according to the letter, for neither did Christ nor St. Paul turn the other cheek. St. John 18., and Acts 23.(Challoner)
(o)5:46 The publicans:These were the gatherers of the public taxes: a set of men, odious and infamous among the Jews, for their extortions and injustice.(Challoner)
1
Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
2
He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,

The Beatitudes

(Psalm 1:1–6; Luke 6:20–23)
3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. (a)
4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (b)
5
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. (c) (d)
6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
8
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
10
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
11
“Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12
Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Salt and Light

(Mark 9:49–50; Luke 14:34–35; Philippians 2:12–18)
13
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.
14
You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.
15
Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.
16
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

The Fulfillment of the Law

17
“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.
18
For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter (e) or one tiny pen stroke (f) shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.
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Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
20
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Anger and Reconciliation

(Luke 12:57–59)
21
“You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ (g) and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’
22
But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause (h) will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ (i) will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna. (j)
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“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,
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leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
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Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.
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Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny. (k)

Adultery

(Leviticus 18:1–30)
27
“You have heard that it was said, (l) ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ (m)
28
but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29
If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. (n)
30
If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. (o)

Divorce

(Deuteronomy 24:1–5; Luke 16:18)
31
“It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’ (p)
32
but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery.

Oaths and Vows

(Numbers 30:1–16)
33
“Again you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,’ (q)
34
but I tell you, don’t swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God;
35
nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
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Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can’t make one hair white or black.
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But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

Love Your Enemies

(Leviticus 24:17–23; Luke 6:27–36)
38
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ (r)
39
But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
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If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.
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Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
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Give to him who asks you, and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you.
43
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor (s) and hate your enemy.’ (t)
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But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,
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that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.
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For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?
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If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors (u) do the same?
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Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Footnotes

(a)5:3 ℘ Isaiah 57:15; 66:2
(b)5:4 ℘ Isaiah 61:2; 66:10,13
(c)5:5 or, land.
(d)5:5 ℘ Psalms 37:11
(e)5:18 literally, iota
(f)5:18 or, serif
(g)5:21 ℘ Exodus 20:13
(h)5:22 NU omits “without a cause”.
(i)5:22 “Raca” is an Aramaic insult, related to the word for “empty” and conveying the idea of empty-headedness.
(j)5:22 or, Hell
(k)5:26 literally, kodrantes. A kodrantes was a small copper coin worth about 2 lepta (widow’s mites)—not enough to buy very much of anything.
(l)5:27 TR adds “to the ancients”.
(m)5:27 ℘ Exodus 20:14
(n)5:29 or, Hell
(o)5:30 or, Hell
(p)5:31 ℘ Deuteronomy 24:1
(q)5:33 ℘ Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21; Ecclesiastes 5:4
(r)5:38 ℘ Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21
(s)5:43 ℘ Leviticus 19:18
(t)5:43 not in the Bible, but see Qumran Manual of Discipline Ix, 21-26
(u)5:47 NU reads “Gentiles” instead of “tax collectors”.
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