“So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Talk about setting the bar high!
 
This verse at the end of today’s Gospel passage from Matthew sets the tone for all of the readings this week.
 
The stewardship way of life, giving away the best of our time, talents and treasure to God for His glory and for the sake of others, is the path to holiness. Yet, it appears utterly foolish in the eyes of many.
 
Our Lord gives us several illustrations today of this “foolish” concept: “When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand over your cloak as well... love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This is the kind of action and attitude that will make us “children of our heavenly Father.”  This is the high bar of holiness to which our Lord is calling us.
 
If your lifestyle and your priorities look a little foolish to the world around you, know that you’re probably doing it right in God’s eyes. At the same time, you will be filled with a peace that the world around you desperately needs. And your stewardship way of life may just draw those around to the heavenly Father and a life of holiness, too.
 
So, with God’s grace, we can confidently press on in the stewardship way of life, aiming to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. Our all-holy God desires it and deserves nothing less.

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