12TH MARCH 2022
CHRISTIAN PERFECTION
Dt 26:16-19
Ps 118:1-2,4-5,6-7 Mt 5:43-48
The Gospel of today calls to the highest level of Christian life and goal which is perfection. Perfection is the high calling for all the Christian faithful who want and have decided to follow Christ more closely. Christian life is a gift and task for each and every baptized people. It is a gift because it was freely given by the Father through his Son and under the guidance and work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the person. But at the same time, Christian life is also a responsibility for those who have been called to such life. It is a responsibility that needs a radical decision which is conversion and new way of life “life in Spirit” that is life under God’s Spirit. Jesus in this Gospel wants us to be Perfect and strive that highest and level of Christian life.
What is Christian perfection? Perfection is the word we use to characterize the life of God or the life that is close to God’s standard. It is the way a person strives to imitate and live the way God wants him or her to live. It is life in God or life under God’s guidance and inspiration. It is that life of fullness and completeness or the highest degree of excellence. The word perfection is a divine attribute which seems to be impossible for man to attain. But is very much possible, though not easily to be reached. The proof is that we have many saints who have tried their best to reach that state. Holiness and perfection are our goals and the two go hand in hand.
Why do we need to strive for perfection? The reason for this is because God, our Creator, the one who calls us is Perfect. Jesus Our Saviour is Perfect. Our heavenly Mother, fully and truly human, just like any of us strived and reached that perfection. We need to strive perfection because that is our calling and our goal as Christians. We are called to live a life that is God and Christ’s centered.
We need to strive perfection because we are to be the salt and light of the earth. We have to bring light to the whole world. We have to influence the people. But all that is impossible if our life is just the same as theirs. We have to be models and example for the rest of the world. And therefore we need to show that though our lives not just by words but by our daily lives.
How to attain perfection? Perfection is not something we get once and for all nor it is a something we can get through our own effort. It is a long journey and continual struggles of embracing God’s life. And since it is a divine state and attribute; we cannot do it on our own. We need God’s grace and assistance to guide and assist our human effort and desire for it.
The Gospel of today tells us that we are to attain Christian perfection through love which is generous and total. The Love Jesus wants us to live must surpass what the world understand and practise it. Our Christian love must be total, meaning for all including our enemies. Love for enemies is not an easy task. It needs lots of sacrifice and patience. It requires from us to suspend judgment toward them, especially against those who have and continue to hurt you the most. To be able to do that, we need to see them as God’s beloved children just like each and every one of us. We need to love them all because God loves them just as He loves us.
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