Monday of the 1st week of Lent
First reading Leviticus 19:1-2,11-18
Lent is a time of purification, and the reading from Leviticus (19:1-2, 11-18) reveals that this purification comes through living in justice and love. God commands His people to be holy as He is holy, and this holiness is expressed in concrete actions: refraining from stealing, lying, and deceiving others; treating workers fairly; showing respect for the vulnerable; and rejecting hatred and vengeance. These are not just moral guidelines but a call to shape our hearts according to God’s justice. Lent invites us to examine our lives in light of these commands, to repent of any injustices we have committed, and to renew our commitment to love our neighbor as ourselves. By obeying these divine precepts, we allow God to purify our hearts, making them more like His—just, merciful, and filled with love. Let’s reflect: Lent is purifying our heart by practicing justice.
Don Giorgio