From Imperfect to Perfect

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Tuesday, February 19, 2008

From Imperfect to Perfect

From Imperfect to Perfect | Fr. Kenneth Baker, S.J. | Editorial for February 2008 Homiletic & Pastoral Review

Gradual progress or growth from imperfect to perfect is a natural characteristic of all living creatures, both material and spiritual. This principle applies even to angels, since they had to pass a test before being admitted to paradise. But it is especially true of all plants and animals, including human beings who are gifted with rationality.

Plants begin as seeds and through nourishment grow to maturity. Animals are generated in a small and weak state and gradually, through nourishment and with time, develop into mature animals. Human beings are born as helpless infants needing lots of care and protection so that they can grow strong and eventually take care of themselves. A “perfect” infant possesses all that a child needs to live, but he or she is not a perfect human being, because the infant cannot use its innate powers until it has time to develop and mature.