The Meaning of 'Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God' in the Sermon on the Mount

The verse in Greek reads: Ζητετε δι πρωτον τον βασιλεαν του Θεου κα την δικαιοσυνην αυτου. Τα τον πρωτον τα παντα προστεθεσεται μην. (Zēteite diano prōton ton basilean tou Theou ka tēn dikaiosynēn autou. Tā prōton tā pantā prostheσestai mēn.)

The imperative form of "ζητω" (zēteō) suggests an urgent call to action; "πρωτον" (prōton) refers to 'first' or 'prior.' The passage appears in the Sermon on the Mount, specifically addressing anxieties about material needs, Matthew 6:25-34. Jesus contrasts worldly preoccupations with spiritual priorities, emphasizing the importance of trust in God. This passage is found in the New Testament, reflecting Jesus' teachings during his ministry.

Theological Interpretation

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC, 2816) identifies the Kingdom of God as the ultimate reality. Seeking the Kingdom reflects the synergy between God's grace and human effort. The act of seeking is participatory, meaning humans cooperate with divine energy to align their will with God's. This seeking is a call to theosis, the process of becoming godlike by grace.

Cultivating virtues and purifying the heart are essential aspects of seeking the Kingdom. According to the hesychastic tradition, through these spiritual practices, humans can experience God's uncreated light. The Church emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is both present and future, experienced in the Mass or Divine Liturgy. The Eucharist is seen as a foretaste of the eschatological banquet, where believers participate in the life of the Kingdom.

Analysis in the Sermon on the Mount

Looking further into the context of Matthew 6:25-34, the phrase 'those who truly put him first and produce fruit' (Matthew 6:33) is crucial. This verse encourages believers to prioritize seeking God's Kingdom over material concerns. By doing so, all other needs will be added unto them.

Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount are timeless, addressing human anxieties and reorienting the focus toward the eternal. Material concerns are acknowledged but relativized in light of the infinite value of communion with God.

Relevance to the 7 Churches

In the book of Revelation, the 7 Churches are a central theme. These churches represent the end-time church, and Jesus speaks to them as well. Importantly, only two of these churches are praised for their faithfulness, while a few individuals in some other churches are singled out for praise.

Despite the harsh words, the overall message is one of hope and restoration. Jesus is satisfied with the efforts of a few, and through them, offers a way restored to the Imago Dei, the image of God. Seeking the Kingdom of God fulfills the human vocation by restoring this divine image marred by sin.

Conclusion

The guidance 'seek ye first the kingdom of God' is a profound call to prioritize spiritual pursuits over materialistic aspirations. By doing so, individuals find fulfillment and have their earthly needs provided for. Theological and biblical interpretations reinforce the importance of this passage, making it a cornerstone of Christian doctrine and practice.