BE MERCIFUL AS YOUR FATHER IS MERCIFUL

VII SUNDAY OF THE YEAR: Lev 19:1-2, 17-18; Mt 5:38-48

God's holiness

In this Sunday's liturgy, we read one of the most important and well known passages of the Old Testament: "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" (Lev 19:2). 

Hearing about God's holiness, we may ask ourselves what does it mean. We call God holy, because he is highly above and beyond everything else, and when referring to him, we are filled with a sense of awe. He is holy, because he is untouchable and unreachable, meaning that nothing is like him or can even come close to him in dignity, honour, goodness and power. He is the Other, the Different, who can never be appropriated, controlled or manipulated. We are attracted to him, but at the same time we tremble in his presence, because we feel to be so unworthy of him.

"That God is holy means that he is exalted, awesome in power, glorious in appearance, pure in character. God’s holiness is contagious. Wherever his presence is, that place becomes holy." (from Hartley, John E., Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 4: Leviticus, (Dallas, Texas: Word Books, Publisher) 1998.) 

God’s call to holiness

In Lev 19, God's own statement that he is holy is presented as the foundation for the commandments leading to a holy life. God's holiness demands holiness in his people, and this holiness has to be manifested in a way of life, that is in a conduct filled with love towards the others. 

Peter, in his first letter, wrote: "as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy" (1 Pe 1:15-16)

Lev 19:17-18 shows clearly how God's holiness and his call to holiness has implications in the relationships with our neighbours: 

- no more hatred,

- no vengeance,

- no resentment 

- correct him, telling him about his wrong doing

And all this can be summarised in the maxim: love your neighbour as yourself.

Be perfect as the Father is perfect

In the Sermon on the Mountain, Jesus presented this call to holiness as a call to perfection: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Mt 5:48).

And this holiness or perfection can only be achieved when we allow love to guide our steps, and this love is shown in a attitude of mercy and compassion to all, mainly to those who are in need of forgiveness and compassion. According to Luke, Jesus said: "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Lk 6:36). Having received mercy from God, we must show mercy, by forgiving our enemies: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Mt 5:44).

Being merciful, as God is merciful, there can be no place for revenge and retaliation, and no place for hatred, but reconciliation and love.