Sermon on the Mount
Fra Angelico, 1437

My dear friends,

I am honored to speak to you today on the sixth Sunday after Epiphany, a time when we are reminded of the importance of living a virtuous life. As we reflect on the readings for today, I am struck by the wisdom and insight they offer us on the path to living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

The first reading, from the book of Sirach, speaks of the importance of choice. We are told that "before each person are life and death, good and evil, and whichever one chooses will be given." This is a powerful reminder that we have the power to choose the kind of life we want to lead. We can choose to live a life of kindness, compassion, and generosity, or we can choose to live a life of selfishness, greed, and anger. The choice is ours.

In the Gospel reading, we hear Jesus expound on the meaning of God's law. Jesus calls us to move beyond the letter of the law and to internalize its spirit. It is not enough to avoid murder or adultery; we must also refrain from anger and lust, which are the root causes of these sins. We must not only avoid false oaths, but speak truthfully in all our dealings. Our words must be true and our hearts pure.

So, my friends, what can we learn from these readings? First and foremost, we must remember that we have the power to choose. We are not helpless victims of circumstance. We can choose to live a life of virtue and goodness, or we can choose to succumb to the temptations of selfishness and greed. The choice is ours.

Secondly, we must remember that our choices have consequences. If we choose to follow the path of virtue, we will be rewarded with a life of meaning, purpose, and joy. If we choose to follow the path of selfishness and greed, we will find ourselves empty and unfulfilled.

Finally, we must remember that our choices are not made in isolation. They affect not only ourselves, but also those around us. If we choose to live a life of virtue, we will be a positive influence on those around us, spreading kindness, compassion, and love. If we choose to live a life of selfishness and greed, we will be a negative influence, spreading bitterness, anger, and hatred.

So, my friends, let us choose wisely. Let us choose to follow the path of virtue and goodness, and let us do so with determination and conviction. Let us remember that our choices have consequences, and that we are not alone in making them. And let us remember that we have the power to make a positive difference in the world, one choice at a time.

May we all be happy and free from suffering.