It is 6th March 2017. The readings are from Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; and the Gospel from Matthew 25:31-46. The first reading encourages to be holy. To be holy is not just following a set of laws and rules rather it is the moral integrity of the person and the inclusive charity one has towards the other. Being truthful to oneself leads us to be good to the other. Holiness cannot happen without charity and in the environment of disrespect for fellow human beings. And wherever there is purity of heart, there is always charity. Charity and holiness co-exist in us always. It cannot live apart from each other. When people do not want to change their evil ways, we need to be extremely patient rather than to hold a grudge on them. It is better to confront them personally in charity wrapped with care. We need to be always on guard in passing judgements on others. If necessary, let us start with ourselves then using the same yard stick to measure the evil in others. “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Lev.19:18). When we have identified our sinfulness, we begin to appreciate the goodness in others. Whenever we begin to hide our sinfulness, we engage in ballooning the mistakes and sinfulness of the other. The responsorial Psalm praises, “Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.” (Jn. 6:64). The Gospel reminds us that we will be judged by God one day in the way we have handled and cared for the others. “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.” (Mt.25:14). Our good works and treating others justly are the explanation of our personal and inner holiness. May God give us a heart full of love, charity and respect for the other as we enter the first week of the Lent. May you have a good day.