THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT: Part Two: A Pastoral Reflection.

The article reflects on the sermon of Matthew at the Mount Jesus, wherein he gave warnings to his disciples that they cannot enter the kingdom of heaven unless their righteousness outperform the Pharisees and scribes. It notes that the Pharisees has focus on various piety practices include prayers, fasting, and voluntary almsgiving. It cites a passage of the Russian Orthodox Church entitled "The Way of a Pilgrim," that explains how Matthew used the language of punishment and reward to record Jesus. It states that Matthew address issues on the growth and acquisition of the heart and mind of Jesus Christ including human desire, self-awareness, freedom to trust, and practical reminders.