In a remarkable book about Christian morality, titled “Mais Moi, Je Vous Dis …” (“But I Say to You …”), Real Tremblay, C.Ss.R. begins with these words, stating the book’s purpose:

“The intention of these pages is to present a morality of exalted content and infinite significance. This project could astonish because of the rather negative reputation usually attached to the moral life. Yet the project is not extravagant; nor is it a flight of fancy as long as one is careful to root morality in the Trinitarian Mystery, in order that it may sprout there, grow up there, and there produce the kind of fruits that manifest its splendor.” [Translation by GFR]

The type of actions Tremblay has in mind, that manifest the splendor of Christian morality, are abundantly expressed in the New Testament: Turn the other cheek; go the extra mile; forgive 70 times seven times; associate with the lowly, and the rest. Statements like these do indeed set before our minds and hearts a “morality of infinite significance.” Tremblay presents this exalted teaching as realistic still today, just as it was in the times of the New Testament, because the Christian life is forever rooted in the Mystery of the Trinity, and “with God nothing will be impossible” (Lk. 1:37).

If Tremblay is correct that such a life astonishes, it is only because he reminds us of the way John taught; of the way Paul taught; of the way Peter taught — of the way all the New Testament authors taught. Of course, such teaching traces back to the Lord Jesus himself, and scripture informs us that those who heard him “were astonished at his teaching” (Lk. 4:32). Take note, furthermore, that in the New Testament this “exalted content” was given to every Christian, the neophyte and the mature, because it was never intended to be rooted in their human possibilities alone, but always in the Mystery of the Trinity.