Discipleship.com

Growing in discipleship inside and outside

Matthew 5:20-26  

Jesus said to his disciples:  “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.

          I’m always mystified and marvel whenever young people come to me seeking advice on dating and romantic relationships. I mean, really? You’re asking a celibate priest about how to make love last?? That’s like asking someone who lives in the desert how to make a snowman. Nevertheless, there is one piece of advice I do give young people in their relationships: when you’re dating someone don’t settle for second best. In fact, the website called “eHarmony.com” has this advice on how to avoid “settling.” It reads: “You know you’re in danger of settling the moment you make a ‘to-do’ list of the things you’d like to help your partner improve upon: lose weight, stop smoking, be more outgoing, find a better job, and so forth. The best person for you will not feel like a fixer-upper.” Now you know where I get all my great dating advice: I subscribe to eHarmony.com. Now, obviously, no one is perfect. But when it comes to choosing your life-partner, don’t settle for second best.

          In the gospel today, Jesus also offers some similar advice, not so much about dating, but rather about discipleship. When our Lord looks for his disciples – really his own life-partners – he doesn’t want to settle for second best. In fact, the whole Sermon on the Mount, from Matthew chapter 5 through 7, is Jesus’ list of qualifications for his disciples. Today, therefore, our Lord says, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” You see, the Pharisees had settled on second-rate spirituality, where they were satisfied with external observance, but without internal intentions. That is what the term “pharisaical” means – being a hypocrite. But Jesus will not settle for second-rate disciples; his followers must be good inside as well as outside.

          If I had to help people not settle in their spirituality, I’d create a website called “discipleship.com.” There, I would list my tips for how to become the best disciple you can, and not be a “fixer-upper.” In fact, I’ve come up with a pneumonic device to remember the seven deadly sins. It’s an acronym that spells “EGGSLAP.” One person thought I said, “EGGSALAD” and so she thought there were actually eight deadly sins. What are the seven deadly sins? “E” is for envy, or jealousy, wanting what others have. “G” stands for gluttony, excess in eating or drinking. The second “G” means greed or desiring too many possessions. The “S” is for sloth or being lazy. “L” is for lust, and I don’t need to explain that one to you.  “A” is for anger, which Jesus mentions in today’s gospel.  And “P” is for pride or too much ego. You see, overcoming the seven deadly sins helps you be a disciple inside and outside.

          You know, I can’t tell you much about dating, but I do know a thing or two about discipleship. In both areas of life, whether dating or discipleship, “the best person for you will not feel like a fixer-upper.”

          Praised be Jesus Christ!