Be perfect
The fifth week of Lent is upon us. Let us now reflect on the sub-theme set out by the diocese: Be perfect. Over the past four Lenten weeks, have done our part praying, fasting and receiving the sacraments? How much have we attained the perfection attributable to God’s children? Have we been living out the spiritual meaning of Lent?
“So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect”(Matthew 5:48). This perfection is the aim of every Christian. Admittedly, due to our human weaknesses and limitations, we can never achieve anything by our own efforts. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus showed us a way to attain such Christian perfection: by humbling ourselves, surrendering to the Father and heeding his Word.
“And when he (the Son of God) was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” (Hebrews 5:9). Only by resorting to God’s grace can we come close to, but not completely, God’s promised perfection: “You shall be holy, because I am holy.”(Leviticus 11:45)
In view of the uncertainties brought about by the current pandemic, our faith can inevitably be shaken. Let us worry no more. This is our time of testing. Jesus in his humanity had his fair share of anxiety, not to mention undergoing of the devil’s temptations. What does “the leader of the world” teach us? Hang on to ourselves, aggrandise ourselves, self-preservation. “No, in all these things, we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us”(Romans 8:37).
Holy Week is just around the corner, after that Easter. Now looking back, how much have we lived the spirit of Lent this year? How closely have we approached God’s perfection? If we fall short in any way, let us catch up while there is still time.
Leave our ego behind. Convert completely. Be ready for Easter. “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in the world will preserve it for eternal life” (John 12:25).
To make donations to the Lenten Campaign online, please visit: https://www.caritas.org.hk/en/e_donation
Lenten Campaign Organising Committee, 2021
