Perfection through Surrender

December 14, Thursday of the 2nd Week in Advent
Memorial of Saint John of the Cross
Daily Readings: Isaiah 41:13–20; Matthew 11:11–15

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)

The stoic philosophers of ancient Greece believed that a certain level of perfection was attainable through natural human effort through the development of self-control and fortitude. But there is another school of thought that believes that a certain level of perfection is attainable only through supernatural intervention.  

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls the first group—those who try to attain perfection through human effort—"those 'born of women' and the second group—those who attain perfection through supernatural intervention—'those 'born of the Spirit'".

The first group—those 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—those born of the spirit—attains their perfection through total surrender. By surrendering their will to the divine will, they advance to perfection. Thus, the ‘Kingdom of God’ means allowing God to be in the driver’s seat in our life journey.

John the Baptist, through a life of austerity, simplicity, authenticity, and zeal, led a life of total surrender to the will of God. Mother Mary is also a perfect example of this new way to perfection. Her ‘Fiat’, “Thy will be done” is the sacred chant of those who chose the divine path to perfection. Amen.