Most people struggle day in and day out to be perfect in what they do. Research shows that the psychology of perfectionism is complex. If we are perfect, we are more likely to be motivated and striving for flawless results of what we do and become. On the flip side the result most often is ending up in burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression. Today in the Gospel procla- mation, we are invited to be perfect. But it is not the same interpretation of perfectionism that the world offers. It is a different kind. This perfectionism means imitating Jesus, to model ourselves according to God’s will. It is something that will end up with a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you, the plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” Striving to be perfect while believing in the plans of the Father, secures eternity for us. The formula is to love those who persecute us, hate us and reject us. Because that is who the Father is. As sons and daughters, can we be the same?

Prayer: Abba Father, make me perfect in loving those who are around me. Not depending on how they treat me but unconditionally like You do. Amen.