Dear brothers and sisters,

Today, we gather to reflect on one of the most profound sermons ever delivered - the Sermon on the Mount. This sermon, delivered by Jesus Christ nearly 2,000 years ago, contains some of the most essential principles for living a genuine Christian life.As we delve into this sermon, we must remember that it was addressed primarily to Jesus' disciples, not to the multitudes. It was intended to be a manifesto of the kingdom of God, not a social gospel or a means to bring an end to suffering and wars.The Sermon on the Mount declares to us what we are through the grace of God working in our lives, and because of what we are, what our relationship to the law is. For this reason, the Sermon on the Mount needs to be taken in context.The first section of the sermon contains the Beatitudes, which place the emphasis on what we are as opposed to what we do. The Beatitudes teach us that true happiness comes from a humble and contrite heart, a heart that mourns for sin and seeks righteousness.The second section of the sermon deals with the relationship of Jesus Christ to the law. Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He calls us to a higher standard of righteousness, one that goes beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of the law.The third section of the sermon deals with our relationship with God. Jesus teaches us to pray, to fast, and to trust in God's provision. He warns us against the dangers of materialism and encourages us to seek first the kingdom of God.As we reflect on the Sermon on the Mount, let us remember that it is not just a collection of wise sayings or moral teachings. It is a call to a radical way of life, a life that is centered on Jesus Christ and his teachings.May we be inspired by the Sermon on the Mount to live lives that are pleasing to God, lives that are characterized by humility, righteousness, and trust in God's provision. May we be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit to become more like Jesus Christ, who is the perfect embodiment of the Se