What is holiness? Leviticus demands that people be holy as God as holy and then it gives very practical instructions. First and foremost is reverence and respect for God. But the list of commands also insists that we show that same respect to other people in word, thought, and deed. This means always behaving with justice, kindness, honesty, humility, and forgiveness. Holiness is relationship - we are not holy in isolation from others. At the end of each day, we can ask ourselves in prayer if we have been truly holy that day by remembering our words and deeds.

Speaking of words and deeds - those who were invited into God's kingdom at the final judgment were puzzled. When did we give you food or drink, clothe you, visit you, or comfort you? The reply: when you did it to the unwanted - the least - you did it to me. These were not religious deeds, and the people were unaware of doing anything special. They saw people in need and responded with compassion. That is the definition of holiness. Those excluded from the kingdom hadn't even noticed the needs of others. The opposite of love is not hatred - it is indifference to the pain, suffering, or need of others. The things that we do or not do are often far more serious than many of the 'sinful' things that we do. We are given countless opportunities each day to be holy. Just keep our eyes and ears open and we will see Christ all around us in the people we meet or pass by.