“Be holy because I am holy”
1 Peter 1:16
Today’s first reading (1 Peter 1:10-16) relates that the Old Testament prophets “searched and investigated it” the prophesy that has come true in Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. St. Peter tells us, and assures the hearers that their sufferings are also patterned on Christ. He assures them of the heavenly reward “gird up the loins of your mind … set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13).
He closes with words of the Lord God to the Israelites at Mt. Sanai, “Be holy because I am holy”. The early Christians are suffering and being ostracized because of their belief in the Messiah. Many today are similarly ostracized or excluded for these same beliefs. Take courage St. Peter tells us!
In today’s Gospel Jesus teaches that those who deny themselves earthly possessions or relationships will receive “eternal life in the age to come” (Mark 10:30). Jesus further tells his disciples, “But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first” (Mark 10:31). These “last” are the very ones St. Peter is talking to, and he speaks to us. The prophets foretold it, Jesus’ life, death and resurrection fulfilled the prophesy. Let us “Be holy because I am holy” so that we may be among the first in the kingdom of heaven.
Am I willing to be last in this present life?
Lord God, help me contemplate your words during this eve of the Holy Season of Lent. Amen.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Alan Gauzens
Did you know...
Alan Gauzens is a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dunedin. There, he is a lector and active in men’s ministries including the Knights of Columbus, That Man Is You! and Tap Into Discipleship. A 2019 graduate of the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute, Alan and his wife Joanne have been married for 40 years and are blessed with 4 children.
