perfect
The idea of becoming perfect and complete as a person is a spiritual goal for all Christians. Jesus’ instruction to his disciples found in the Gospel According to Matthew 5:48 (NABRE) to “be perfect just as your heavenly father is perfect” remains a call that applies to us all. What does it mean to be perfect?
The Greek word used in this passage that is translated as perfect comes from the root τέλος (telos), which means “end,” “termination,” or “finish.” Something that is perfect in this sense is something that is finished or at its end or completion. The English word perfect likewise comes from the Latin word perficio which means “carry out” or “complete.” The suggestion inherent in Jesus’ command that we be perfect is not that we’re fundamentally flawed but that that humanity exists in an incomplete state that needs to be brought to completion.
What do you think is needed for you to attain the goal of becoming perfect? What help does the Church provide? Consider how the concepts of perfection and holiness are related to completion.
related topics: consecration; holy; sacred
you also may like our two-part study of the prophets
Thus Says the LORD: God Speaks Through His Servants the Prophets—Volume I: A Kingdom Divided examines the prophets in historical context using the First and Second Books of the Kings and other Old Testament passages written before the Babylonian Exile. Volume II: Restoration & Redemption looks at the post-exilic prophets. This 51-lesson Catholic Bible study builds on The United Kingdom of Israel: Saul, David & Solomon Foreshadow Christ the King. Click on these links to view a lesson from Volume I and another from Volume II.
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