Today’s Gospel proclamation reminds us of our call to live a life of holiness. God has set us apart from the world to be his. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2) is what God desires for us and his expectations go beyond the parameters of the world. The Gospel proclamation teaches us that not only deeds but even the secret desires of our hearts should be pure. Jesus invites us to choose to live a life of righteousness in obedience to God. Just like a surgeon who may cut off a part of a person’s body to rescue him/her from death, Jesus assures us that the sacrifice of detaching ourselves from things that may lead us to disobey God’s commands is worth it. Sitting at the feet of our Lord in prayer and worship will enable the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and give us the wisdom to understand the commandments of God. He will give us the strength and courage to live according to his will all the days of our lives.

PRAYER: Abba Father, give me the strength to reject everything that leads me away from you. Amen.