“The only perfection of human beings lies in their becoming aware of their imperfection.” (St. Jerome)
What may at first sound like a pessimistic statement about human beings reveals itself, upon closer examination, to be a piece of wisdom that St. Jerome shares with us.
This insight helps us overcome false pride and self-assurance, enabling us to deeply understand our reality as human beings. The important thing now is how we deal with this. It would certainly be wrong to succumb to a kind of disordered sadness because of our imperfections, though we can, of course, mourn the loss of Paradise and all its consequences. Instead, this insight becomes an invitation to turn to the “Perfect One”: our beloved Father. By seeking Him and sharing in His perfection, we awaken to true life and to a proper understanding of our existence.