Ordinary Time

January 31, 2023

Scripture Reading: Malachi 3:1-4

For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. –Malachi 3:2-4

I connect Paul to the use of the word perfection calling us to strive to be perfect. However, Jesus is quoted as saying. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48). The Greek word, teleios*, could also mean being complete, fully matured, or possessing wholeness—all descriptors that are probably more comfortable to us English speakers than perfection. In our competitive world, there is always something better than our “now” toward which to strive to make perfection almost impossible.

We tend to think of perfection as an end product, but striving for perfection requires us also to maintain the wholeness we have gained while seeking even more maturity. It is a balancing act of constant self-examination resulting in any indicated corrections. I am not a sailor, but I have friends who are. I have watched how they carefully steer the boat to adjust to the wind and the waves. We, too, must adjust to the wind and the waves of life that can quickly throw us off course unless we intentionally stay ahead of the storm through our communion with God.

Prayer: Lord, stay ever near us as we sail through the challenges of life and mature, following you more nearly. Amen.

*https://biblehub.com/greek/5046.htm

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.