Daily Readings - Sun Feb 19 2023
Leviticus
1The LORD said to Moses,2"Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.17"'Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.18"'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
1 Corinthians
16Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?17If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.18Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise.19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness";20and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile."21So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours,22whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are yours,23and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
Matthew
38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of holiness, love, and unity. The first reading from Leviticus reminds us that holiness is not just about rituals but about how we treat others. It calls us to avoid hatred and revenge, instead embracing love for our neighbors. This passage, part of the Holiness Code, emphasizes moral behavior and community respect, urging us to live as God’s holy people.
The second reading from Corinthians shifts our focus to our identity as temples of God. It warns against worldly wisdom and pride, encouraging humility and unity. Paul reminds us that all things belong to us, but we belong to Christ, highlighting the importance of living in a way that reflects this truth. This reading addresses the early church’s struggles with division and worldly influences, calling for a deeper spiritual understanding.
The Gospel from Matthew takes us to the heart of Jesus’ teachings on radical love. He replaces the old law of retaliation with a call to non-resistance and love for enemies. Jesus’ teachings challenge us to move beyond mere compliance with the law to a deeper, transformative love. This passage from the Sermon on the Mount emphasizes that our actions should reflect God’s perfection, treating others with the same love and kindness He shows us.
These readings connect through the theme of living a holy and loving life. Leviticus sets the foundation of moral behavior, Corinthians addresses the community’s spiritual unity, and Matthew expands this to radical love. Together, they call us to a life that goes beyond rules to one of profound love and unity.
In daily life, this means responding to conflicts with love, not just avoiding hate but actively seeking good for others. We are called to give freely, forgive generously, and pray for those who wrong us. The moral lesson is clear: imitate God’s perfection in how we treat others, even when it’s difficult. Let us strive to live out this radical love, reflecting God’s holiness in our actions and attitudes.