Saturday of the First Week

Reflection

We all know Jerry McGuire’s most famous line and have heard it satirized in countless ways: I love you. You—complete me. After all the ways he sabotages his life, he manages to salvage it by coming through in the end. He acknowledges that without Dorothy, he himself is...incomplete.

Today, Jesus enjoins us, to “be perfect.” Like I need to hear this. Like I need a voice besides my own nudging me to contemplate all the ways I fall short. Thanks a lot.

But what’s translated “perfect”, teleois, could more precisely be understood as to be “mature” or “complete”. What Jesus is asking—demanding—is less about my behavior and more about my trust, less about my actions and more about my attitude.

The first reading tells us we are sacred to God, His holy people. We are reminded of the depth and consistency of God’s love for us. That is exactly what I need to hear. It’s not about me and my shortcomings but about the ways that I grow in my love and faith.

So in the midst of all the mistakes we make, let us turn to God, profess our love, and acknowledge that only in Him are we made perfect. And while it might feel silly to quote Jerry McGuire, that might be as “perfect” a prayer as any.

Prayer

Father, help me along the path on which You are guiding me. Let me not care about being “perfect”, unless it’s to be perfect in my trust in You. Help me to be complete.

TJ Bird Matarazzo, ’98, Member of the Worshipping Community

 

Scripture

First Reading: Deuteronomy 26:16-19

Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8
Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website