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Scripture: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18,Psalm 19:8-10, 15 and Matthew 25:31-46.
Scroll to the end to read the referenced scriptures
Both in our first reading from Leviticus and in Matthew's Gospel we
are given the precepts and commandments of the Lord and again we are called
to be holy even as God is holy. (see Matthew 5:48)* That is quite a task
and challenge. But both Leviticus and Matthew's rendition of it help us to
see how to be holy in God's sight. We also have some enlightenment from the
Psalm which is a wisdom Psalm that also in its second part emphasizes the
precepts of the Lord our God. As we look at these readings we see that
they imply openness to our neighbor and to strangers and even enemies.
Matthew, the tax collector, sums them up in his active way of
interpretation. They become the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
Just the other day we saw the call of Levi in Luke's Gospel. I
believe he is Matthew, the tax collector, for the story is basically the same
in Matthew. The evangelist Matthew was very dedicated to seeing the
Commandments and the precepts mentioned today come alive in his church and
his Gospel for the church. Jesus, of course, speaks them to us in this
Gospel and they are framed in the light of the final judgment where Jesus
is the just and merciful judge. I also think that Matthew has prepared us
for the call to holiness through the beatitudes which are the commandments
put into a blueprint of attitude and action. (see Matthew 5:1-12)**
We are called to be disciples of Jesus like Matthew was called. We
are the ones to witness to Jesus' words and mission. Perhaps, we can
attempt to put one of the beatitudes, or commandments, or spiritual and
corporal works of mercy into action on this Lenten day. Amen.
Scripture:
Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18
1. The LORD said to Moses, 2. Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them: Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am
holy.
11. You shall not steal. You shall not lie or speak falsely to one another. 12. You shall not swear falsely by my name, thus profaning the name of your God. I am the LORD.
13. You shall not defraud or rob your neighbor. You shall not withhold over-night the wages of your day laborer.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. You shall not go about spreading slander among your kinsmen; nor shall you stand by idly when your neighbors life is at stake. I am the LORD.
17. You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart. Though you may have to reprove your fellow man, do not incur sin because of him.
18. Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as your self. I am the LORD.
Psalm 19:8-10, 15.
Gods Glory in the Heavens and in the Law
8. The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.
9. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart.
The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye.
10. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The statutes of the LORD are true, all of them just.
15. Let the words of my mouth meet with your favor, keep the thoughts
Of my heart before you,
LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Matthew 25:31-46.
31. When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, 32. and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34. Then the king will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, 36. naked and you clothe me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. 37. Then the righteous will answer him and say, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38. When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39. When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you? 40. And the king will say to them in reply, Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me. 41. Then he will say to those on his left, Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43. a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me. 44. Then they will answer and say, Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs? 45. He will answer them, Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.
46. And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.
*Matthew 5:48
48. So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
**Matthew 5:1-12
1. When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
2. He began to teach them, saying:
3. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
6. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
7. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
9. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every
kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.
12. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they
persecuted the prophets who were before you.
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