February 27, 2023, Monday of the 1st Week of Lent-A
Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18
Psalm 19
Matthew 25:31-46
Be holy… Leviticus 19:1
“…what you did not do for one of these least brothers of mine, you did not do for me.” Matthew 25:45
Lord, we can all agree that to grow in holiness would be a worthy goal during Lent. There are more opportunities to become holy in this season: daily Mass, prayer services, fasting, scripture meditations and spiritual reading to name a few. Some sacrifice pleasure or other things. You asked the Israelites to be holy by obeying your commandments with emphasis on loving our neighbors. In the gospel we hear that caring for our brother’s and sister’s needs is a good way to love them. The focus of our Lent needs to be: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. All three can be steps to holiness and obedience to your commandments. So far, so good. But you also point out that neglect of our neighbors is not living the gospel. Lord, help me to be more aware of the needs of my family, and my neighbors. Show me your face in the least attractive people around me. May I today, Jesus, give myself to someone desperate for a friend. I thank you for calling me to holiness. Amen.