This commentary reads the Beatitudes as Gospel recognition rather than moral instruction. In Matthew, Jesus names and blesses people as they already are—mourning, weary, vulnerable—proclaiming God’s kingdom present amid violence, fear, and uncertainty, not as reward, but as promise and belonging.
Matthew 3:1-12 (2nd Sunday of Advent) – December 7, 2025
In Advent, John the Baptist’s portrayal in Matthew is pivotal for understanding the transition from John's prophetic authority to Jesus. Matthew aims to address both insiders seeking control and outsiders needing hope. The prophetic message invites communal reorientation, emphasizing openness and transformation within the kingdom of heaven as it expands, challenging readers to avoid exclusivity.
Matthew 24:36-44 (1st Sunday of Advent) – November 30, 2025
Matthew's Gospel contrasts with others by using a prophetic tone that emphasizes judgment as a call for change rather than fear. The apocalyptic sections urge communities to actively engage in justice and compassion, preparing for Christ's return by embodying God's care for others. Advent is a time for spiritual attentiveness and immediate action towards love and justice.
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:27)
Written as an exegetical paper, this is a simple overview of the Sermon on the Mount that may help to inspire connections with the season after Epiphany preaching texts in Year A.
Matthew 5:1-12 (4th Sunday after Epiphany) – January 29th, 2023
Both Matthew and Luke use the Beatitudes with a purpose and in aligning our preaching with their purpose, we can open a world of preaching opportunity. But if we preach on our preference and overly compare these two different Gospels, then we give permission to accept one and throw the other out, when in reality they are used for two entirely different purposes.
Micah Krey 