In today’s readings, we are told that we should be perfect as God is perfect. (Matt 5:48)
Boy, is that a challenge! If you’re even a little like us, you know it’s hard to be good for any length of time. And perfect — well, that’s like being good all the time with no slip-ups or goof-offs or anything else that’s not absolutely perfect.
The truth is, I’m pretty sure I can’t do this!
A SECOND LOOK …
Well, think again. Here are a couple of quick points to consider.
First, there’s another meaning for “perfect” than you might have considered. It also means complete. Finished. Done.
When you look at it like this, the Bible is saying, “Be whole! Be complete! Be finished — just as God is whole and complete and finished.”
In other words, become who God made you to be.
NEVER WORK ALONE …
And second, don’t try to be perfect by yourself. Never work alone. Whatever “perfect” really means, becoming perfect is still a very tough task.
Most of us aren’t entirely sure who we are, let alone what we’re supposed to be. But God has already solved that one for us too. The Bible tells us that He who began a good work in us (at our baptism) will be faithful to complete it (Phil 1:6).
God is the One who will perfect us. We just need to learn how to submit to His will and authority. We need to cooperate with Him.
COOL2B …
In Jesus Christ, God has given the Church a rich deposit of wonderful, spiritual treasures. Each of us now has all that we need to become whole and complete. It’s cool to be Catholic. COOL2B!
In Christ!
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