RBWords

     Lent offers us a great opportunity to reflect on what each of us thinks when we read or hear Jesus' words about being "perfect."  I suspect the definition we give will come from the way we compare ourselves with other people, let alone God!  Our definition can become a kind of law to us, which in turn can become a cross to bear.  When "perfectionism" gets its claws in a person, the results can be very destructive.  Confessors know that scourge well in what they hear.

     The  perfection that Jesus speaks of is a kind of wholeness and integrity of intention that gives birth to a love that is genuine.  Earlier in today's gospel scripture Jesus speaks of loving our enemy.  If we can get beyond the "enemy" classification, we are free to love that person as a person.  As long as we classify them as "enemy" we will not be able to love them.  Our integrity and wholeness are compromised by the negative attitude.  Our heavenly Father is perfect in that his love is available to everyone if only they can allow themselves to receive it.  Our attitudes and motives are the big questions.

     When "good enough" is never "good enough" we will never BE "good enough" and think God cannot possibly love us.  But we cannot set standards for God.  What we have to do is set standards that will allow us to love ourselves as God loves us.  This is a lifelong task, but it's basically a task of staying in shape and taking care of the "good enough" person that God already loves.  AMEN