Today's reading is one from which it's easy to grab an idea to think about for a while. Pick one of the "blessed are" verses (5:3-11) and take it apart and put it back together. Or consider what it means to be salt and light to the world. Or take a look at how Jesus extends the meaning and understanding of the commandments by getting to the heart of them -- helping us understand that intent is as important as action. Here's what I want to look at.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors do the same, don’t they? And if you only greet your brothers, what more do you do? Even the Gentiles do the same, don’t they? So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48 NET)

This is one of Jesus' teachings about intention. He extends the idea of how we're supposed to act beyond the neighborhood, into enemy territory. Act in a loving manner toward everyone, even the enemy. Be like the Father. Be perfect like the Father. Be perfect like the Father? Huh? As I read those words, I want to answer back, "Jesus, you ask too much of me." If you've seen the Star Wars movie, The Empire Strikes Back, then imagine me saying that in a whiny voice like Luke Skywalker's answer to Yoda, when he's unable to lift his X-wing fighter out of the swamp on Degobah. "You ask the impossible."

In fact, this whole chapter is about how much Jesus expects of us. And verse 48 is the summary of what He has said in verses 21-47. We need to keep that in mind. It's the summary. You've heard it said... but I say... In other words, it's not that we will be perfect, but that in our carrying out of what God asks of us, we will do it the way He does. So, just as God causes the rain to fall on all, be loving to all. God has set the example, we are to do our best to follow it. Don't have murderous thoughts and adulterous hearts. Don't look for retaliation, but be forgiving instead. Be a person of integrity, whose word is trustworthy. These are all characteristics of God, be like Him. Don't try to conform to a lesser standard, but conform to God's standard.

It is a high expectation isn't it? Fortunately we have God's help in fulfilling it. It's also helpful to realize that the word translated as "perfect" is from a Greek word that carries with it the idea of end-point, or maturity, or outcome and fulfillment. (See the Word of the Day.) In other words, there's the idea of process in Jesus' statement, a goal to aim for. If we can keep this endpoint in mind, if we remember what Jesus did for His enemies, we have a chance of living as Jesus is describing in this chapter. No doubt we need His help. But look at the blessings awaiting us described at the beginning of the chapter.