1st Week of Lent, Monday: 2nd March 2020

The passage from the Book of Leviticus highlights two basic rules of conduct for a life of holiness. Both rules are related to the divine-human relationship, namely love for God and love for neighbour. These are stated in the scripture texts: “Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy” and “You shall love your neighbour as yourself”.

The first rule of conduct indicates that to be holy means to recognise God as the source of life and that God is, first of all, Holy. Holiness is of primary importance, and if we wish to be holy, God’s laws must be observed. The second rule is that living a life of holiness means everyone is a neighbour to each other.

Later, in answering the question, “Which commandment of the Torah is the greatest?”, Jesus will join these two rules of conduct: “You shall love the Lord, your God with your whole heart, soul and with all your mind.” The second is like it: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”

A life of holiness demonstrates the link between the two rules. Loving the Son of Man means to translate this love into active and concrete deeds of mercy to those in need. It is the criterion of judgement by the Son of Man when he returns at the end of time.

May the Season of Lent help us grow in awareness of the link between the two rules of conduct and to live accordingly.

Lord, help me love You and my neighbour.