Perfect Eggs

by Mary Luti | published on Feb 11, 2026

[Jesus taught them, saying:] “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of [God]. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even tax collectors do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:44-48, abridged (NRSV) 

If you’re spending half your paycheck on eggs these days, you might as well prepare them to perfection. Luckily, scientists have hit on the recipe for achieving that perfection. It takes just 32 minutes: 

Put your eggs in a steamer basket, then transfer them every 2 minutes between a bowl of boiling water and a bowl of lukewarm water (86°F) until 32 minutes have elapsed. It’s called “periodic cooking,” and it yields a velvety yolk and a meaty-but-soft white. A perfect egg.  

A perfect 32-minute egg.  

Perfection is so overrated.  

I wish Jesus had never commanded perfection as perfect as God’s. Too many religious people have actually set out to achieve it, only to end up inflicting their achievement on the rest of us, demanding, judging, disapproving, condemning. They’re intent on other people being perfect not as God is, but as they think they are.  

Pursuing perfection is often just pursuing yourself. It’s hard to imagine that Jesus intended us to spend our lives in self-improvement projects, much less in keeping insufferable vigils over other people’s lives.  

Best to ignore that last line. Perfection’s a trap, and it’s not really achievable, anyway. So why not work on the “love your enemies” part instead? It’s probably not achievable, either, but if you have 32 spare minutes, at least it’s a worthy use of your time.  

Prayer
I don’t ask you to make me perfect, Jesus, although my pride would be happy to help you do it. But if your point is that we should become like God, then make me loving. Even to my enemies.

Mary Luti About the Author
Mary Luti is a long time seminary educator and pastor, author of Teresa of Avila’s Way and numerous articles, and founding member of The Daughters of Abraham, a national network of interfaith women’s book groups.