Lenten Moments of Mercy: Monday of the First Week of Lent

Monday of the First Week of Lent   Lent is a time we grow in holiness through our actions that reflect God's love.

Scripture “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” Leviticus 19:2   Reflection There is a great fear among people about the idea that we are called to be holy. The concept seems to threaten people because holiness is so often related to the meaning that a person is austere and rigid. But we all have in our lives moments of grace in which we let ourselves be open to God’s presence in our lives. The reading from Leviticus is very clear how we may act in accordance with God’s holiness. When we read Leviticus 19:11‒17 we recognize that we are called to treat one another with fundamental human decency. We are not to steal, lie, and swear falsely towards one another. Laborers are to receive fair wages. Those with disabilities are to be treated with respect. We are not to hate, nor are we to take vengeance or bear grudges. We are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus offers practical steps to love our neighbors: give food to those who are hungry, give drink to those who thirst, welcome the stranger, clothe those who are naked, care for those who are sick, and visit those who are in prison. Jesus also promises the eternal joy that those who follow these practical steps will receive and spells out the consequences for those who do not. The journey to holiness begins with a moment of grace, and each step in this journey is itself a moment of grace. As we grow in holiness, we become more aware of these moments of grace, especially as we consider those closest to us in our families, among our neighbors, and in our parish. These provide the foundation for noticing other moments of grace God is preparing for us.

Pope Francis “If you have some time at home today, take the Gospel, Matthew’s Gospel, chapter five. At the beginning there are the Beatitudes; in chapter 25 the rest. And it will do you good to read them once, twice, three times. Read this program for holiness. May the Lord give us the grace to understand his message.” Morning Meditation, 9 June 2014   Lenten Action ► Take the Pope’s advice and read and pray with the Beatitudes. ► Learn about Catholic Social Teaching.   Prayer Lord, may we be holy as you are holy. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations in our heart be acceptable to you.

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