During our Eucharistic celebration, when the time comes for the readings, we sit down, find a comfortable position, put our belongings in place, we may adjust one item of clothing or another – then we are ready to… listen.

This preparation may have extended to the beginning of the first reading causing the first lines to… escape our notice. If so, we may have missed the very important second verse of the 1^st reading for today (7^th Sunday of the Year, A: Lev.19:12-17-18).

The text says:
“Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.”

 To be holy – really?
To be a saint? Me!
How can this be?
What does it require?

Does it mean: Being without fault, without weakness of any kind? Not really…
Does it imply: Not to be self-centred, or short-tempered? This can help, but…
Does it demand: Not to fail in anything, not to fall short of the Christian ideal? It is part of it, but…

Today’s gospel (Mt.5:38-48) gives us clear guidelines:
“Offer the wicked man no resistance.
If anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well.
If a man would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
If anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him.
Give to anyone who asks or wants to borrow.
Love your enemies.
Pray for those who persecute you.
In this way you will be children of your Father in heaven.”

This is the reason, this is the purpose, this is the aim…
 

Something we are in constant need to learn and to practise –

just like the first Christians to whom the apostle Peter was repeating the words of today’s first reading.

Source: Images: www. Pinterest.com;   Wild Men of God