Our first reading this morning from the Book of Leviticus is from a section of that particular book of the Bible that has a title of “Various Rules of Conduct.” It’s inviting us to reflect on how we are following the Lord in our daily lives. Are we doing the things that we are called to do? Are we striving to follow the Lord, to dedicate our lives to the pursuit of holiness?

In this passage, the Lord is speaking to Moses, giving the instruction to give the message to the Israelites of how important it is to live holy lives. It is meant to call them to an understanding of how doing that will make them more like God who is holy. The Church gives us this reading to make us aware of that same point. This call to holiness extends to each of us…are we striving for the same? Are we seeking to follow Christ in all things?

Specifically, this passage calls us to recognize how we are embracing holiness in our interactions with others. It’s emphasizing principles of justice, honesty, and love. It reminds us of our duty to treat one another with respect and kindness, how we are called to reflect the image of God in the world.

I think it’s appropriate that this is given to us during the Season of Lent, a time when we are called to look at how we are living as Christians and to be brought to a moment of repentance and conversion. So, I would encourage each of us to use this reading as an examination of conscience before we next go to confession.

Have we been honest in our dealings with others, or have we deceived or cheated them? Have we shown compassion to the poor and vulnerable, or have we ignored their circumstances? Have we harbored anger or resentment in our hearts, or have we forgiven those who have wronged us?

As Catholics, we are called to a higher standard; we are called to be guided by the love of Christ and to bring that love to others. Our actions should always be rooted in love and the goal should be to build up the Kingdom of God here and now. That starts by treating every person we encounter with dignity and respect, with love and mercy, with compassion and grace.

Today, let’s take this opportunity to examine our consciences, to be honest with ourselves and to approach the Lord in humility. Seek His forgiveness for the times we have fallen short and ask for the grace to live more fully in accordance with His will. May we strive each day to be holy as He is holy, and may our lives be a testament to His love and mercy in the world.

Image: Book of Leviticus, Sincerely Media. Used under the Unsplash license.