The Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount is the most extensive discourse of Jesus recorded in the Gospels — comprising Matthew 5–7 — in which he proclaims the New Law of the Kingdom, deepening and fulfilling the moral teaching of the Old Testament. It is sometimes called the "charter of Christian life" (CCC 1965–1966).

Structure and Content

The Sermon on the Mount opens with the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12), followed by teachings on salt and light, the fulfillment of the Law, six antitheses ("You have heard it said... but I say to you"), teachings on prayer and fasting, the Lord's Prayer, trust in God's providence, and the golden rule. It closes with the parable of the two builders (CCC 1966).

The New Law

The Catechism teaches that the Sermon on the Mount is where Jesus presents the New Law — not a replacement for the Old Law but its perfection and interiorization. Where the Old Law said "Do not kill," the New Law says "Do not even be angry." The New Law goes to the root of human action: the heart, the intention, the interior disposition (CCC 1965–1968).

The New Moses

Matthew deliberately presents Jesus delivering the Sermon from a mountain — just as Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai. Jesus is the new and greater Moses, delivering the definitive Law of the Kingdom. But unlike Moses who transmitted God's word, Jesus speaks on his own authority: "But I say to you..." (CCC 581).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sermon on the Mount only for exceptional Christians? No. The Catechism explicitly teaches that the Beatitudes and the whole Sermon on the Mount express the vocation of all the baptized — not just monks or religious. Every Christian is called to live by this charter of the Kingdom (CCC 1716).