Since its publication in the early 1900s, Rudolf Otto’s “The Idea of the Holy” has profoundly influenced the concept of God’s holiness.
When I first read it, I was struck by the realization that God’s holiness is not merely moral, but also signifies His complete ‘otherness’ from all creation.
As we read today’s lectionary scriptures, let’s remind ourselves that we are to be like God. We are not to be part of the world’s system but to be apart from it, contending for God’s kingdom and His values.
As John wrote, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world” (1 John 2:15).
Lectionary Reading: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031025.cfm.
Reading 1 – Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to all the congregation of the Israelites and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:1-2).
The world’s system often pressures us to compartmentalize our faith, practicing religion on Sundays while conforming to worldly values during the rest of the week.
However, God’s holiness calls us to be distinct from this system, reflecting His character in our daily interactions with others.
- You shall not steal, deal falsely, lie to one another, or profane my name (vs. 11).
If someone uses the court system in a dishonest manner to maximize their wealth and oppress the disadvantged, they will violate this directive.
- You shall not defraud your neighbor; you shall not steal; and you shall not keep for yourself the wages of a laborer until morning (vs. 13).
- How we treat the most vulnerable in society (the deaf and blind) reflects whether we have the fear of the Lord or not (vs. 14).
- You shall not stand idly by when the blood of your neighbor is at stake: I am the Lord (vs. 16).
James reflects on this commandment: “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17).
- You shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord (vs. 18).
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15
Psalm 19 is comprised of three sections. The first section identifies God as the Creator. In the second section, we learn that He is the one who gives us the law, intended to bestow life, wisdom, and joy.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether. (Psalm 19:8-9)
In the third section, we recognize our failure to perfectly keep God’s law. This creates an opportunity to ask Him for the power and grace to do what we cannot do ourselves.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)
Verse Before the Gospel – 2 Corinthians 6:2b
Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation! (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Gospel – Matthew 25:31-46
The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats is a way for Jesus to illustrate the principles of Leviticus 19 in a powerful way. I have outlined the first part of the parable using bullet points:
- The Scene:
- The Son of Man (Jesus) returns in glory with angels.
- He sits on his throne, and all nations are gathered before him.
- The Separation:
- Jesus separates people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats.
- Sheep are placed on his right, goats on his left.
- The Sheep (Righteous):
- They are blessed by the Father and inherit the kingdom.
- Their reward is based on their acts of service to “the least of these”: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned.
- They were unaware that they were serving Jesus through these acts.
The goats do the opposite of the sheep and have an outcome commensurate with their behavior.
As we pray today’s lectionary passages, let’s allow the Holy Spirit to challenge us to live out the truth of what we’ve read.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed what happened when Esau sold his birthright to Jacob in Genesis 25.
Real Voices 