Greetings on this the Monday of the First Week of Lent
Readings: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; 19:8, 9, 10, 15; Mt 25:31-46
Notes
In our first reading today: Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy. Then a list of the activities of holiness usually referred to as the Ten Commandments. In our gospel portion today, Jesus gives us a list too. The list Jesus gives expands on the interior meaning of the ten commandments. The fullness of the commandments. It is very simple. You cannot love and worship God minus a genuine care for the human family. Period. Either direction: Fall in love with God and then humanity. Fall in love with humanity then God. He’s cool about either path.
It is certain and true.
Summary
Corporal and spiritual acts of mercy are a good way to express the activities of divine will for our treatment of one another. Love is a decision. Holiness is a decision too.
The Corporal Works Of Mercy
To feed the hungry;
To give drink to the thirsty;
To clothe the naked;
To harbour the harbourless;
To visit the sick;
To ransom the captive;
To bury the dead.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
To instruct the ignorant;
To counsel the doubtful;
To admonish sinners;
To bear wrongs patiently;
To forgive offences willingly;
To comfort the afflicted;
To pray for the living and the dead.
Reflection
We have the benefit of getting instruction on the interior meaning of the ten commandments. Problems become nothing in the power of mercy.
Personal Reflection
I used to think I need to check off each item in each list as a thing to do. But now I think of this list as a thing to be. How I ‘be’ with others in the moment.
First Reading
Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy.
then a list.
Responsorial
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Gospel Acclamation
Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Gospel
‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry