The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew is like a charter of discipleship for those who follow Jesus. We all know and love the Beatitudes and many of us have even committed them to memory: “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” And seven more.
Luke’s version of Jesus’ Great Sermon does not happen on a mountain but on a plain. Many Scripture scholars think that Matthew used the mountain as a symbol to specifically tie Jesus’ handing on of the Beatitudes to Moses’ handing on of the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai. Recall that Matthew was writing to Jewish Christians. Since Luke wrote to Gentiles, he does not have a need to house his presentation within Jewish tradition.
Another difference is that in Luke, the Sermon is addressed not to the crowds but to the disciples in the presence of the crowds. This means that the lessons of the Sermon are meant for those who have already decided to follow Christ. The strict challenge of the Sermon presupposes the work of God’s grace already at work within the disciple.
Lastly, Matthew has nine Beatitudes, but Luke only has four, followed by four woes:
Blessed are you who are poor . . . but woe to you who are rich.
Blessed are you who are now hungry . . . but woe to you who are filled now.
Blessed are you who are now weeping . . . but woe to you who laugh now.
Blessed are you when people hate you . . . but woe to you when all speak well of you.
Luke’s Beatitudes and Woes are challenging but God’s grace helps us to face that challenge. The Beatitudes in both gospels have a sociological aspect to them, and that’s important, but they are ultimately about our relationship with God. The poor and the hungry are those who know they have nothing, and yet they are invited to have a relationship with God. That humility is the grounding of discipleship.
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Entrance Antiphon Be My Protector, O God (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #51
Here’s an idea for singing the Entrance Antiphon: The cantor or small group sings the antiphon as the ministers and presider process to the altar. That is followed immediately by the Entrance Chant (song) that is sung by the entire assembly. Conversely, the Entrance song can be sung by the assembly first during the procession, followed by the antiphon as the altar is being incensed. I noticed this latter custom a few years ago when I attended Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Entrance Chant All Are Welcome (All Belong) (Jesse Manibusan and Jenna Manibusan)
Breaking Bread #316
Jesse composed this song of justice and inclusion with his daughter Jenna. It has become a favorite with many communities.
Responsorial Psalm Blessed Are They Who Hope in the Lord (Santiago Fernández)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 92
Santiago’s stirring melody and chords make this verbatim psalm setting appealing and memorable.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Endless Mercy (Steve Angrisano)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 94
This setting of the Alleluia and verse by Steve Angrisano also serves as a preview for his Mass of Endless Mercy.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Blessed Are You (The Beatitudes) (Sarah Hart)
Sarah poses a provocative question to those who sing and listen to her setting of the Beatitudes: “Do YOU know how blessed you are when you are poor?” You can find the sheet music on the link above.
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Communion Antiphon God So Loved the World that He Gave His Only Son [Option 2] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #53
In today’s Communion Antiphon, Option 2 from John 3:16 underscores Jesus’ teaching from today’s Gospel.
Communion Chant God So Loved (Ken Canedo)
Breaking Bread #149
New in Breaking Bread this year, this is my setting of the iconic John 3:16, referenced in the Communion Antiphon.
Sending Forth Go Make a Difference (Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek)
Spirit & Song #213; Never Too Young #260; Breaking Bread #485
Steve and Tom’s contemporary classic sends us forth from this Eucharist to help make Jesus’ Beatitudes a reality for the world.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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