BE HOLY. BE PERFECT.
Jesus’ words in this month’s gospels are challenging: Turn the other cheek. Love your enemies. Forgive and be reconciled. Pray for those who persecute you. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Discipleship can be demanding, yet following Jesus is also freeing. In faith, we learn to let go of the constant pursuit of things that do not last. Our lives are less filled with conflict and more focused on things that matter. We have greater perspective, an eternal perspective, in meeting life’s circumstances. When we are tempted to turn away from God’s ways and instead turn toward the Lord, we find peace and fulfillment on the path of holiness.
BE SALT AND LIGHT.
We all have times when we are stressed and tired or make our way through life without enthusiasm. The first disciples who walked with Jesus probably had those days as well. They may have grown weary on the journey. They might have missed their former lifestyle and questioned their decision to follow Jesus. Jesus encouraged them, challenged them, and urged them to stay on the path of faith, knowing that doing so is the way of truth and life, life filled with grace and meaning.
“You are the salt of the earth,” “You are the light of the world,” Jesus said. Jesus wants his disciples to be alive in faith, transformed by the Holy Spirit. As people empowered with the Spirit, we may add rich flavor and light where life is dull, lackluster, exhausting, dark.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
If you choose, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.
Before you are life and death, good and evil. Our Sunday readings this month, including this strong message from the book of Sirach, urge us to choose to be the people God desires, to strive toward selflessness, generosity, forgiveness, mercy, and love.
As disciples, when we bring faith to life, we are filled with purpose, sharing in Christ’s mission to transform the world through selfless love. We are called to live faith deeply, boldly, showing others the impact of our belief and trust in the Lord in our daily lives. Choosing to live as Christ’s own in the world is demanding and at the same time, it is the way of perfect love. The choice is yours. Whichever you choose will be given you.