Holiness That Looks Like Love: Holiness Is Love Made Concrete

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Holiness That Looks Like Love: Holiness Is Love Made Concrete

Readings:
First Reading -  Leviticus 19:1–2. 11–18
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 19:8–10. 15
Glory and Praise  -  2 Corinthians 6:2
Gospel  Reading - Matthew 25:31–46

There is a powerful thread running through today’s readings: Holiness is not abstract. It is visible. It is practical. It is love in action.

“Be Holy, for I Am Holy”

In Leviticus 19, God commands:

“Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.”

At first, holiness may sound distant or unattainable — something reserved for saints and mystics. But immediately after commanding holiness, God describes what it looks like:

  • Do not steal.

  • Do not lie.

  • Do not oppress your neighbor.

  • Do not hold hatred in your heart.

  • Love your neighbor as yourself.

Holiness is not first about rituals. It is about relationships.

To be holy is to reflect God’s character — His justice, mercy, truth, and compassion — in daily life.

The Beauty of God’s Law

Psalm 19 tells us:

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.”

God’s commandments are not burdens meant to restrict us. They are guidance meant to protect and shape us. They lead us toward integrity and harmony.

When we live according to God’s ways, our lives become aligned with truth. Holiness brings clarity, not confusion.

The psalmist ends with a prayer that fits perfectly with today’s message:

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight.”

Holiness begins inside — but it must overflow outward.

Now Is the Time

In 2 Corinthians 6:2, St. Paul reminds us:

“Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.”

Holiness cannot be postponed. Loving our neighbor cannot be delayed. Mercy is not a “someday” practice.

Every day presents opportunities to choose love over indifference, forgiveness over resentment, generosity over selfishness.

Salvation is not just about the future; it is about how we live now.

Seeing Christ in the Least

In Matthew 25, Jesus gives one of the most sobering and beautiful teachings in the Gospel. He describes the final judgment, where the Son of Man separates the sheep from the goats.

The standard is simple yet profound:

  • I was hungry — did you feed me?

  • I was thirsty — did you give me drink?

  • I was a stranger — did you welcome me?

  • I was sick or imprisoned — did you visit me?

The righteous are surprised. They did not realize they were serving Christ. But Jesus reveals the mystery:

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Holiness is recognizing Christ in the vulnerable.

It is easy to say we love God. It is harder — and more important — to love the person in front of us.

Holiness Is Love Made Concrete

Today’s readings remove any illusion that faith is private or purely spiritual. Holiness is not just prayer; it is practice.

It is:

  • Honest business dealings

  • Refusing gossip and slander

  • Forgiving those who hurt us

  • Helping those in need

  • Seeing dignity in every human person

When we love our neighbor, we reflect God’s holiness.

When we ignore the needy, we ignore Christ Himself.

Questions for Reflection

  • Do I understand holiness as daily integrity or only religious observance?

  • How do I treat those who cannot repay me?

  • Is there someone I need to forgive or assist?

  • Am I postponing love to a later time?

Prayer

Lord,
You call me to be holy as You are holy.
Teach me that holiness begins with love.
Help me see You in the hungry, the stranger, the sick, and the forgotten.
May my words, my actions, and my heart reflect Your truth.
Now is the day — help me respond with compassion.
Amen.

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