The idea of Christian perfection, which began in the ancient monasteries and spread to the world as an ideal, is one of the most appealing, demanding and ultimately hopeless notions of the spiritual life. By definition, only God is perfect-that is, complete and independent unto {God's} self. Humans, on the other hand, are radically imperfect, and that, paradoxically, is welcome news, for the recognition of our incompleteness throws us on the mercy of God and enables us, as Saint Paul stressed, to put up with one another's faults.
The concept of Christian perfection, rooted in ancient monasteries and spreading worldwide, is seen as an inspiring yet immensely challenging ideal. It emphasizes the divine nature of perfection, which only God possesses, highlighting human imperfection as a fundamental reality. Despite its difficulty, this understanding encourages humility and reliance on God's mercy.
As Donald Spoto notes in "Reluctant Saint: The Life of Francis of Assisi," recognizing our imperfections allows us to accept faults in others and ourselves, fostering compassion. The pursuit of perfection remains ultimately unreachable for humans, but it serves as a guiding aim that deepens spiritual humility and reliance on divine grace.
