The center point for Jesus, however, is not an idea or a theory about anything, but, in fact, a Person—a thoroughly reliable and even lovable person that he calls his “Father.” This new world order is based on the encounter with God who is experienced personally. Jesus seems to be saying that God is not a philosophical system, a theory to be proven, or an energy to be discussed or controlled, although we have often reduced God to such. Jesus believes that God is a Person to be imitated, enjoyed, and loved. We seem to know God only by relating to God, almost as if God refuses to be known apart from love. It is all about relationship.
—from the book Jesus’ Alternative Plan: The Sermon on the Mount
by Richard Rohr, OFM
