Our Holy Father Nicephorus the Confessor (829)
Romans 2:14-29; Matthew 5:33-41
Read Matthew 5:33-41
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
In this section of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus is describing the kind of disposition his disciples are to have: truthfulness, simplicity, innocence, meekness and extreme generosity. These beautiful virtues are present in our Lord Jesus himself and he wants us to emulate him. For emulating these virtues transforms us into Jesus’ likeness. We become more like God who is the perfect example of these virtues. Those who live in the simplicity of faith have no need for the formality of an oath. Through their meekness they are victorious just like Jesus who conquers with extreme humility and love on the cross. Let us take some time today to examine which of these virtues we can live out better in our lives. Try to find an occasion today to practice one or more. Remember that growth in virtue is the way to a union with Christ and a pathway to the Kingdom.