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Leviticus 19（ESV）
11 “You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. 12 You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.
13 “You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning. 14 You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.
15 “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. 16 You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.
17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
REFLECTION
- Today’s passage is about Holy Conduct
- The love of neighbor consists of a commitment to the welfare and best interest of another person, citizen or sojourner. This passage is calling to love one’s neighbor, companion, or friend. It is part of Jesus’ text in Matt 22:34-39 in speaking the two great commandments. Many readers of the Gospels are not aware that this text comes from Leviticus. The concern for holiness relates to much of life and so contains a strong ethical dimension. The chapters of the Holiness Code are more explicit in combining the ritual and ethical dimensions of life. In Leviticus, how one worships and lives are tied to one’s relationship with God.
- The truest expression of holiness is showing love for others in simple, practical ways. Caring for the poor, being fair to the well-to-do and needy alike. Doing nothing that might harm another, loving others as ourselves. It is this kind of life God calls us to live daily. And this, the simple and practical living out of love, is holiness.
PRAYER
Have I found an integration of holiness and love my neighbor in my life? Or am I still struggling trying to hit a balance between the two? Which do I need to cultivate more at present?
HYMN:
For the One – youtu.be/e_bj6mjUj7k
