Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy

Today's readings: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15; Matthew 25: 31-46

Both of the readings today are so powerful. We 

desire happiness and community, and at the heart of the 

message of God we find how to live this. But, it is very challenging because it requires to put other people first. To consider the heart of the other, regardless of who they are. When I think of the times where I have taken time to help another person, I walk away feeling like I got so much from that experience. A more rich understanding of the world, a deeper reminder of crosses of others, and a greater understanding of my part to play in the kingdom. We all have a vocation to holiness, and we live that out in our friendships with God, others and ourselves.

But, oftentimes (at least in my life) we fall short in understanding how to love like we should. We get to a certain point and feel like we should be getting something in return, or that we are caring more than other people. It is a great temptation that causes us to grow frustrated or even envious of others.

God knows our true desires, and he also knows our weaknesses. He wants to help us in our relationships because of His infinite love for us. He reminds us of what love, and holiness is so that we can have an example that can be understood. He shows us Himself, His heart, His desires. He gives us a way to understand the depth of our value. He points us to fulfillment.

But, we have to move toward that. We have to choose that path. We have to believe in our ability to love.

God does not abandon us even in this. Many times throughout history he has given us examples of how to live out holiness. Not as a way to punish us or make us toe the line, but because He wants to help us! It has been his promise all along. He loves us and he wants us to live in the glory of that love. He knows it is going to be hard, but He is rooting for us and so willing to help.

I was moved by the reading from Leviticus. He begins with reminding us that we are called to be holy because He is holy. Then he gives us some reminders of how we are to treat other people. Again, not because He wants to hold us to some tough guidelines, but because in order to have a good relationship with another I have to be able to love them. These are the ways that I want to be treated, and so does everyone.

As you read the reading (I included it below), think about how you can grow in all of your relationships. Maybe you don’t see a blind or deaf person, but is there someone that you try to make life more difficult for? How can you recognize your worth more and your ability to love…not because you have to, but because you want to.

The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the whole assembly of the children of Israel and tell them: Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy.

“You shall not steal. You shall not lie or speak falsely to one another. You shall not swear falsely by my name, thus profaning the name of your God. I am the LORD.

“You shall not defraud or rob your neighbor. You shall not withhold overnight the wages of your day laborer. You shall not curse the deaf, or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.

“You shall not act dishonestly in rendering judgment. Show neither partiality to the weak nor deference to the mighty, but judge your fellow men justly. You shall not go about spreading slander among your kin; nor shall you stand by idly when your neighbor’s life is at stake.  I am the LORD.

“You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart. Though you may have to reprove him, do not incur sin because of him. Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”