Word to the Wise
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 - Tuesday in the 11th Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Kgs 21:17-29 and Matt 5:43-48]For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
I've heard the expression, "Don't make the perfect the enemy of the good!" The words of Jesus which end the gospel scripture for today have been used in that way. Scripture scholars point out that the word translated "perfect" here has more to do with wholeness and integrity in one's faith and conduct than with some state of being that is completely free of any mistakes or sinfulness. That latter state of being for human persons exists only in the state of heaven! That being said, we are still being called by Jesus to a standard that must exceed what might be called a "quid pro quo" amongst those who are familiar to us.
That standard includes our "enemies!" We are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us! The "wholeness" to which Jesus calls us means that we must embrace all of humanity, including our enemies. This standard of non-violence is a true challenge to our animal instincts! Holiness demands that we go beyond niceness and mere courtesy. It is not impossible. It is very challenging. It is required of the true disciple. Doing it makes us realize how "imperfect" we truly are and how much we need the help of God's grace! AMEN
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