The things that Jesus proclaimed in the “Sermon on the Plain” sound like impossible ideals given by some out-of-touch mystic, but they are actually pragmatic truths proclaimed by a down-to-earth realist.  Jesus knew how life works, both in the Kingdom of Heaven and in the kingdom of this world.  Jesus himself embodied these truths and showed us that living them is the way to full, abundant life.

Scripture reading: Luke 6:17-26