Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Scripture

“Speak to all the people of the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.’” Leviticus 19:2

Reflections

If you heard God say, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy”, what would you think?  Do you see yourself as holy?  When you look in the mirror, what do you see?  Is there a halo over your head?

Just the thought of being considered holy can convict us.  We’re fully aware of our shortcomings.  We are not perfect examples of godly lives.  No matter how hard we try, we always fall short.

When all is said and done, we will never fully be able to claim holiness based on how we have lived.  We don’t have halos over our heads.  But, herein lies the good news.  Jesus did not die for perfect people.  He died for those who put him on the cross.  It is through him that we’re made holy.  It’s not our doing.  It’s his doing.

He still gives us a special role within our world.  The word “holy” can be understood as “set apart”.  He sets us apart in holy baptism to be an example to others.  As our Lord God is not of this world, so too are we not of this world.  Even as an imperfect people, he uses us to be examples of his way.  We humbly stumble along.

Even with our foibles, people get a glimpse of God through us.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for giving me a special place in this world.  Use me this day to be a humble example of one who is set apart, living in your way.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18