The Sermon on the Mount

Fr. Frank Matera’s The Sermon on the Mount is the fruit of a life’s work of pastoral ministry and the highest level of biblical scholarship. It is simple and accessible, but scholars will recognize its author as a guide who has command of the exegetical issues and yet distills that expertise for a general audience. Matera masterfully navigates problems commonly raised about the Sermon. He presents it as an invitation to and accessible to all, and yet only possible to those who have known conversion as part of a community of disciples. It is exalted and challenging, yet truly attainable. The life it portrays is ethical, yet ultimately a gift and promise. Readers of all backgrounds will profit immeasurably from this book.William Mattison, Associate Professor of Moral Theology, Catholic University
The centrality of the Sermon on the Mount for Christian faith is undeniable. With his classic clarity and succinct style, Frank Matera captures ‘the perfect measure’ of the Sermon that has inspired Christians throughout the ages to follow Jesus Christ. In this deceptively small book, Matera offers an impressive interpretation of Jesus’ teaching that is attentive to both ethical and spiritual dimensions of the text. This book can serve very well in classroom settings, Bible study groups, or simply for personal spiritual enrichment. I highly recommend it.Ronald D. Witherup, SS, Superior General of the Society of Saint Sulpice in Paris, France, and author of numerous books on the Bible and theology
Accessible to anyone in the church who seeks to have a faith and life informed by this central and most meaningful sermon of Jesus.
Interpretation