Greetings on this the Monday of the First Week of Lent
Readings: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15; Matthew 25:31-46
Summary
The LORD said to Moses: Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them: Be holy, for I, the LORD your God, am holy. Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (Lev 19:1-2; 2 Cor 6:2b).
Perfectly Holy
In our first reading today, Moses is called and all the people are called to be Holy as the Lord is Holy. Then the list of things we do that are, well, not holy.
Do not – ten things
It’s a long list. There are ten (10) things to ‘NOT’ do. Since we are quite familiar with the not list (we know them well because we have broken them), the ‘do’ list stands out as a higher expression of holiness. What it ‘is’, not what it ‘is not’.
Do – three things
You shall fear the Lord.
You shall judge rightly.
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
All of it punctuated with the divine presence: Do or don’t do – but know this: I, the LORD, am your God (Lev 19 verses 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18).
Reflection
The Judgment of the Nations
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘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.’ (Mt 25:31-40).
Personal Reflection
In our gospel portion today a hope and a warning. The hope is simple: act justly and with compassion and the Lord will remember your ways. Act ‘not’ and, the same.
Is anyone perfect in these things? How can we know when we are self-justifying or being prudent? How can we know when we are being generous or self-serving?
Seek holiness — perfection belongs to God.
Our psalmist comes to our rescue again today! Hear these words and allow them to melt your fears and strengthen you resolve to be holy. Here is our responsorial for today:
Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022326.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry