“In the first reading, the Lord says something very simple—but very demanding: “Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.”
Many people think holiness is only for priests, religious, or saints. But today’s readings tell us clearly: holiness is meant for everyone, and it is meant to be lived in everyday life.
1. Holiness Is Not About Perfection, but About How We Treat Others
In Leviticus, God explains what holiness looks like.
It is not about long prayers alone.
It is not about religious titles or appearances. Holiness means:
- Do not steal.
- Do not lie.
- Do not cheat.
- Do not hold grudges.
- Do not seek revenge.
- Love your neighbor as yourself.
In other words, holiness is not abstract. It is very concrete.
You are holy when you are honest in your work.
You are holy when you forgive instead of taking revenge.
You are holy when you choose kindness over anger.
2. Jesus Makes Holiness Even More Concrete
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us what will matter at the end of our lives.
He does not ask:
- How famous were you?
- How rich were you?
- How many likes did you get?
He asks very simple questions:
- Did you feed the hungry?
- Did you welcome the stranger?
- Did you care for the sick?
- Did you visit the prisoner?
And then Jesus says something very striking: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
This means that our faith is tested in our love.
You cannot say you love God if you ignore the poor. You cannot claim holiness if you close your heart to those in need.
3. We Meet Jesus Every Day—in the Least
Many people are waiting for Jesus in big miracles. But Jesus is already coming to us every day:
- in the hungry child,
- in the tired worker,
- in the sick relative,
- in the lonely neighbor.
The question is not: “Where is Jesus?” The question is: “Do I recognize Him?”
Sometimes, we pass Him by. Sometimes, we are too busy.
Sometimes, we say, “Next time.”
But in the end, Jesus tells us: Love cannot be postponed.
Final Words
Holiness is not about being perfect. Holiness is about loving concretely.
To be holy is:
- to be honest in a dishonest world,
- to be compassionate in a harsh society,
- to serve quietly without expecting reward.
Today, the Lord invites us to a simple but challenging holiness: to love God by loving our neighbor.
May we recognize Jesus in the least, serve Him with generous hearts, and one day hear Him say: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father.”