Be holy, as I am holy, says God. Many people have negative views of the Old Testament, and there are certainly some passages which cause us discomfort. But the essential message of the Old and New Testaments is the same: just treatment of others, and love that shows itself in deeds. The list of deeds that defines holiness speaks of this justice, and at the very end of the list is the commandment to "love your neighbour as yourself". This is the same passage that Jesus quoted in the Gospels when asked for the greatest of the commandments. There is nothing new - this is God's eternal law. When we are a just and loving person, we are a holy person and a "God" person.

There is a surprise in store for many in the final judgement scene from Matthew. Their startled questions are answered about their response to the weak, neglected, marginalized, broken-hearted and needy. This is your religious obligation. Fail in that, and you have failed in your relationship with God, and rituals, prayers, and pious practices alone are not enough. Love shows itself in deeds, so let us embrace the many opportunities to love that cross our path each day. It is not so hard to be holy, as God is holy.