09 December 2021 Matthew 11:11-15
Thursday of the 2nd Week in Advent
PERFECTION THROUGH SURRENDER
Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than john the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of God (Mt 11:11).
Stoicism, which became the foremost popular philosophy among the educated elite in the Hellenistic world, is based on the principle that there is a certain level of perfection that is attainable through natural human effort. The stoic philosophers of ancient Greece are excellent examples of this sort of perfection. It teaches about the improvement of a person’s ethical and moral well-being by the development of self-control and fortitude as a means for overcoming destructive emotions like anger, envy, and jealousy. Thus a person’s “moral and intellectual perfection” helps to control his or her emotions.
But there is another level of perfection that is attainable only through supernatural intervention.
Jesus calls the first group – those who try to attain perfection through human effort, as persons born of women and the second group – those attain perfection through supernatural intervention as persons born of the Spirit.
The first group (born of women) attains their perfection through sheer will-power and determination. There is much violence towards oneself involved in their way to perfection. Whereas the second group attains their perfection through total surrender. By surrendering their will to the divine-will they advance in perfection. According to Jesus ‘Kingdom of God’ is nothing but allowing God to be at the driver’s seat. John the baptism through a life of austerity, simplicity, authenticity and zeal lead a life of total surrender to the will of God. Mother Mary is also a perfect example of this new way to perfection. ‘Fiat’ and “Thy will be done” are the sacred mantras of those who tread the divine path to perfection. Amen.