The Sermon on the Mount, Part XIII of XL

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TEXT:

32. But I say to you that every one who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

COMMENTARY: Here, Jesus forced the selfcentered, egocentric men, who considered themselves, to use the old Hebrew term, the "husbandly owners" of their wives, to stop and think. For again,as above, he accused men who saw themselves as studies in sterling virtue of serious errors or "sins." He unmasked them in public, and accused the selfrighteous of being in trouble with God (Love). Jesus was daring here, several times, to contradict the ancient laws of Jehovah, and even to correct them! This was regarded as blasphemy!

He taught that men were to respect, as well as to love, women, and not abusively to take them for granted. Those who "went through" many wives he called "adulterers"-- serious sinners! He exposed these insensitive arrogant liars!

TEXT:

33. "Again you have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.' 34 But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.

COMMENTARY: Here, Jesus flatly contradicts, in his final words, the "positive thinkers" who believe that the conscious mind can do anything, without limit! For, in reality, it cannot change a single hair on your head! These verses are also a powerful recommendation for sheer honesty.

For if a person is truly, consistently honest, there is simply no need for swearing! Our society and culture need to learn to live by these ideals.

The "Moral Code" of Love

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When it comes to a "moral code," people often forget that "moral" simply means "good." So, a moral code is a set of guidelines or regulations that increase the goodness in our lives.

The very highest moral code in history is to follow the Way of Love.

For example, in sexual matters-- which are the ones that people think of first when considering "morality"-- the Way offers several valid guidelines:

It supports ahimsa. This means that we are prohibited absolutely from voluntarily harming any person at any time, for any reason. We must not harm others emotionally. So, we must stand behind fidelity and faithfulness in marriage, for this is a commitment to God and to human beings. Since sexual promiscuity harms many people-- whole families, if not communities, in many ways-- it is not allowed under the guidelines of the highest morality. Also, since it might produce unwanted kids, which would seriously harm and damage them, careless or promiscuous sexual intercourse is flatly prohibited. So are "recreational" or "casual" sex, because sexual interaction must remain a manifestation of true Love with commitment. Any attitude but the sacred cheapens sexuality. It must remain a high form of worship. Thus, it must be Love.

In other life-matters, the Way of Love recommends that every day, we do something real to help or aid others. This might be teaching, if that is our calling or gift. But it must also express in giving economic aid to the poor, aiding the sick or challenged, and generally, extending a helping hand. In a world such as ours, there are millions of opportunities each and every day.

The Way recommends kindness towards all, and goodness, honesty, generosity, fairness, compassion, and the expressions of tenderness, mercy, and forgiveness. We must be gentle towards all. A being of Love will never use offensive violence. That is, she will never attack; but she might have to use defensive violence if attacked.

To sum up the Way: Love everyone, serve everyone, and forgive everyone.
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