Matthew 5:38-48 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 5:38-48 on biblegateway.com
Verse 38"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' Verse 39But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; Verse 40and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; Verse 41and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Verse 42Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
Verse 43"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' Verse 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Verse 45so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. Verse 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? Verse 47And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Verse 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Devotion
The admonition to "be perfect" is daunting. My gut reaction is that to be perfect is to be flawless, without weakness, without the slightest hint of anything less. The admonition is not simply daunting, it is unattainable. It is also isolating Why even try?
Something is lost in translation here. The Greek word translated in English by the Latin-related "perfect" actually has at it root the notion of telos which is fulfillment, completion or goal. The core admonition is about loving one’s enemies. Being perfect isn't about achieving perfection. It is about being transformed into a new way of relating to God and the enemy-turned-neighbor. Why did the Jesus movement grow in the burgeoning Roman cities? The early Christian communities drew people into their fellowship who were attracted to these gatherings which offered a new kind of love.
Prayer
Lord, Let your cruciform love shape our communities, our lives and our hearts.