Now that we are in ordinary time the lectionary resumes the practice of the lectio continuo, the reading of the Biblical books chapter by chapter. The first readings for this week is taken from the First Epistle of Peter. This is what is known as a “catholic” epistle, that is to say an epistle not aimed at a particular church or situation but addressed to the universal (catholic) Church. It might be looked upon as mystagogia, as a reflection on the meaning of baptism. As he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct. Holiness in our culture tends to be associated with incense and candles and folded hands and kneeling. In the Bible holiness is not so much a reflection of religious practice as it is an attitude toward life. Holiness might be better translated for us today as integrity, living your life according to the values you have taken on as the guiding principles. Be holy means be who God made you to be.
MAY282024
By Church Staff
