Monday of the First Week of Lent
(Leviticus 19:1-2.11-18; Matthew 25:31-46)
Today’s reading from Leviticus pursues the theme of
holiness. It takes for granted that
holiness involves cultic observance and separation from filth and what might
lead to impurity. The reading emphasizes
the ethical component of holiness.
Mostly it offers negative precepts or sins that must be avoided – lies,
stealth, and meanness. It concludes by proposing a form of the golden rule: “Love
your neighbor as yourself.”
The gospel provides content for that rule. Jesus tells his followers that those who feed
the hungry, care for the sick, and visit the imprisoned will be invited into
the Kingdom of God. For Jesus love is
active and requires sacrifice. It may
start with good intentions and include prayer for those who are suffering. But one cannot be welcomed into the kingdom
if he or she ignores someone in need.
We may not care if we are considered holy or not, but we
probably want to experience eternal life.
We can’t have one without the other.
We must avoid what sullies our character and strive to love our neighbor.
