40 Shades of Lent by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II Monday in the First Week of Lent, 27 February 2023 Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 ><)))*> + <*(((>< Matthew 25:31-46
We hear you speaking to us, Lord God our Father, telling us, "Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy" (Lev. 19: 1-2); we hear your voice daily right in our hearts as we feel your nearness to us in your gift of life, in your love, in your holiness that all fill us. But unfortunately, left unnoticed, unrecognized, even denied when we refuse to see your face in everyone we meet especially the poor, the deaf, the blind, the weak, our own family members and neighbors.
Forgive us, Lord, in being so exclusive than being inclusive like you for your holiness encompasses us all; teach us to love without boundaries nor barriers, to stop our evil ways against one another; let us embrace your law, Lord, which is perfect, refreshing the soul, rejoicing the heart (Ps.19:8, 9); set our sights to Christ's Second Coming and judgment which is happening now, the acceptable time and day of salvation; may we love, love, and still love more even those we do not know who may be hungry and thirsty, a stranger or naked, sick or in prison.
O God, how great and loving you are that you chose us to be your dwelling and most of all, be the reflection of your holiness despite our many imperfections. Amen.
