Monday of the First Week of Lent
Every morning as part of my daily routine, I read an excerpt from Robert Ellsberg’s book “Blessed Among Us.” These writings describe the lives of the saints, soon to be saints, or people who have lived “holy” lives. I enjoy reading these stories, since many of the people he describes are contemporary (living in the 1800’s-2000) and they demonstrate that even in more modern times people can and do live holy lives. Although most people do not believe they can be holy, today’s readings specifically tell us that every one of us is called to be holy- wherever we are and in whatever we do. When we live and act as God commands, we allow others to see the holiness of God in us. By our example of holiness we not only reflect God’s goodness, but we glorify Him with our lives.
In the first reading from Leviticus, the LORD tells the Israelites “Be holy, for I the LORD, your God, am holy.” The LORD then proceeds to tell all the ways that the people of God become holy- including in the final command- “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All of these words and actions entail treating others with mercy and compassion. We are holy when we follow these commands because you act as God does- with mercy, love and compassion.
Jesus shares the story of end times where the judgment of the sheep and goats take place. The holy ones (sheep) are those who have fed the hungry, clothed the naked, cared for the stranger, given drink for those who thirst, comforted the sick and visited those in prison. It is the “least ones” that the sheep provided their acts of compassion and mercy. The holiness they shared brought wholeness and healing to those they encountered, and because of their righteous deeds they are welcomed into the kingdom.
Our readings today spell out clearly that our actions need to proceed from hearts of compassion and love. When I read the stories from the “Blessed Among Us” the holy people described are always people for others. Their lives reflect commitments to caring for the needs (spiritual, physical, emotional) of those around them. It seems that many times, these saintly individuals undergo trials and difficulties, but remain courageous in their commitment. Some of the individuals achieve greatness (e.g. St. Juan Diego) but others live in simple obscurity- yet still in very holy ways (e.g. Dorothy Gauchat- Founder of Our Lady of the Wayside.) Their “holiness” may be manifested in different ways, but it all proceeds from their deep trust and believe in God and His love for them and for the world.
We are called to put holiness into practice today. You do not need to look far to find people in great need. As Christians- people of God- we are called to care for the “least ones” as Jesus describes in today’s readings. Some of these people may be co-workers or family member in need of emotional support. Some of these people may be refugees or immigrants in need of housing, food or clothing. Some of “least ones” in need of compassion may be people from different religions who are being unjustly judged. Today as Christians, we need to in word and action be “holy” like God is holy through our words of mercy, forgiveness, love and justice.
Similar to those “blessed” that have gone before us, we may endure trials and difficulties because of how we live. If we want to live as the readings describe, we cannot do this without God as our foundation. It is through deep lives of prayer that we open ourselves up to God’s Spirit- only then can we be sent forth to live “holy lives.” When we allow God to transform us, then when we act and speak, it is God living in us and with us. It is not our holiness- but God’s holiness that shines through.
The Responsorial Psalm tells us, “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.” When we trust and follow the commands of the LORD, we will find wisdom and joy. In God’s precepts we know how to live- so… BE HOLY! REALLY!
- Marylynn Herchline