A call to become perfect, not perfectionist

MATTHEW 5
(Introduction to the Bible/Reflection Paper/Submitted on July 16, 2009)

Matthew chapter 5 starts with The Beatitudes, which at first glance we could find Jesus’ idea of being blessed as far beyond what I knew or perhaps some of us too. The sermon was addressed to rebuke the Pharisees whose idea of being blessed reflects their hypocrisies and to teach his audiences as what it means to be blessed heavenly. People at that time knew that the Pharisees are those who do “great things” as their act of righteousness, something to be regarded as great. While most of the people don’t see their intentions, Jesus knew the motives of their hearts (6:1) – the reason why he called them hypocrites! And for Jesus, to be blessed is to be “poor in spirit”, “like those who mourn”, meek, hungry, thirsty, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, insulted, or those who are neglected (or unseen) by the society, yet our Father in heaven sees them. It made me realized then, that even the greatest thing I could do for God could mean nothing if my intention is to be seen by men rather than to please God. Most pastors and other ministers who are leading people could be fallen to this trap. For this reason, Jesus’ astounding statement “to cut it off and throw it away” any parts of our body that causes us to sin, rather than our entire body being thrown into hell (5:30). He made a great emphasis on the value of the soul than the body. And as followers of Christ, we must begin by being the salt and the light of this world, which is advancing the kingdom of heaven here on earth.

The following sermons on this chapter address the crowd about relationships. Jesus begins with the phrase “you have heard…” to commend their understanding first, and then he corrects their truncated view after. Notice how Jesus value people and it gives me the idea that the more I value them, the more my “acts of righteousness” becomes valuable. The more I value them relationally, the more I am changed inwardly. This process of perfection is to emulate the image of the Father in heaven in the person of Jesus when he was on earth. I am called to become perfect, not to be perfectionist- whose motive can be detrimental to his soul.