Walking on the boardwalk, reading on the beach, waiting in line for ice cream or just catching up on our sleep. These are some of the simple projects and pleasures of summer.
Answering the call to perfection is usually not on our summer “to-do” list. And yet, as Christians, we know that each day we are called to be perfect. Each season of our lives is a time to work on our vocation to love. Many of us may hear this invitation as an insurmountable challenge. We may wonder how we can be perfect when we live in such an imperfect world? How can we love when there is so much division and anger among people? The message of Jesus seemed very clear when he told us: Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5: 48).
Salvation history is the story of God’s people – exceedingly flawed but also very human and deeply holy. Scripture scholars remind us that being perfect is to be a complete, whole, and integrated person. The People of God strive each day to love, forgive and show mercy to friend and foe alike.
This is not always attainable because it is so easy to see our imperfections. We tend to focus on our faults and frailties. But the call to perfection is strong. God will give us the grace to stay firm in our faith and to see his work in our ordinary, imperfect lives.
God’s roots grow best in the cracks in our life. This is true of organizations, families and individuals. Where there is a smooth, perfect surface of self-reliance there is little room or need for God to do his work. It’s in the imperfections where the seeds of grace take root and grow.
At the Second Vatican Council, the Church reiterated the words of Jesus – be perfect. All the documents of the Council called us to work for that perfect love to which we made a commitment at our baptism. This call is deepened in each of our vocations. It must be constantly worked on and refined. It is a goal that we embrace each day.
Francis de Sales taught us that “we have no bond but the bond of love which is the bond of perfection.” He reminds us to open our hearts and to live like Jesus. He asks us to open our eyes and read his Holy Word. He asks us to direct our days to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He challenges us to grow in our sanctification. He invites us to reflect the love and light of Christ to a dark world that needs his life.
Rev. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS
Provincial
Wilmington-Philadelphia Province
