The impact of action

We all know or rather we all should understand that if a force hits something there is an equal and opposite reaction. This often occurs without us remembering the effect until it hits us in the face. These effects are quite often seen on TV shows such as ….Funniest Home Movies. Someone forgetting this principle usually is being filmed and comes out looking extremely foolish or worse still, severely injured. Having seen all of the examples one wonders how it is that we still forget this principle. At the end of the day it takes something really embarrassing for it to sink in and even then we have a tendency to forget. The same principle applies when it comes to how we act in community.

This reflects a simple ABC of life and is reflected in turn by Christ's reflections to those who listened to him as laid out in Matthew 5-7. The whole discourse is a simple way of living that people with limited means could emulate. The readings from both Deuteronomy (10.12-22) and Sirach (15.15-20) reflect this, the former in rather formal stilted language the latter in a fairly open manner similar to the Matthew (5.21-37).  Matthew's writing is perhaps the most accessible for us, if we allow ourselves the luxury of removing from it our imported theological language and interpretation. In the first part Matthew talks about our relationship to each other and our relationship to God (5.21-26). For every action we take in terms of our relationships with each other there is an understanding that there is a corresponding reaction upon our relationship with God. If our actions are detrimental towards our neighbours, not just in the worst case scenario (murder) but in the smallest word "fool", we are obviously not loving God as required by the priestly law laid out in Deuteronomy (10.12-22). If this is the case then it is essential for us to be right with God and in a relationship that is beneficial. We cannot attain that sort of relationship without having cleared our consciences first with those we have scorned, broken, shamed, etc. within the community.

Relationship is based on truth not betrayal

The next part of the passage points to our more intimate relationships and how we handle ourselves within such relationships (Matt. 5.27-32). Even in our most intimate of relationships we need to be sure of what our own desires are and what is most beneficial for a long term relationship. We forget when we theologise that the people being spoken to are not erudite. The words are simple truths about how we conduct ourselves in a relationship. How often is the "7 year itch" an issue in the life of a relationship unless there is a good rapport and communication about wants and needs? Too often we allow ourselves to follow what begins as a fantasy to move into reality allowing for miscommunication within our personal relationships. We just need to follow the trash mags to understand how this comes about as we often glorify others who are caught damaging their own relationships with their supressed desires. It is an aspect of ourselves that we allow our views and unspoken truths to rule our lives rather than facing the truth of situations with honesty and the presence of God's love.

Matthew's final point is just that (5.33-37). In all our communication we need to be aware that we are telling the truth of the situation and not colouring it to favour ourselves. Unfortunately, too many politicians are caught in this moment as they are unable or perhaps unwilling to call it as it is using evasion and misdirection to avoid their own mistakes and corruption. If we were to look at those who are great they are the ones that are consistent with their truth telling and we know that their word is solid. How many deals are done on a handshake today with the knowledge that the person's word is true? In our words and our deeds we need to reflect the mind of Christ. This is not just in our public lives but must carry over into our personal domain as well for this is where relationship begins in a manner that goes on to affect the whole community. Our actions determine the reactions of those around us. If we speak the truth that will be returned but if we falsify our lives we will live complex and false lives filled with anxiety and worry.