In today’s first reading we hear, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” Yet we know we cannot achieve perfection. Our attempts to love neighbors and even our enemies fall short of what God desires for us. Yet in Jesus we see one who loved even those who persecuted and killed him. We are made holy in baptism, and forgiven at the table of God’s mercy. As a people made holy by God, we go in peace to love as we have been loved.
Readings and Psalm
- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
Holiness revealed in acts of mercy and justice
- Psalm 119:33-40
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes. (Ps. 119:33)
- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
Allegiance to Christ, not human leaders
- Matthew 5:38-48
The teaching of Christ: love