PARISH NEWS

Really Holy

We all know what “Holy” looks like don’t we? That saintly person with callused knees who is not quite of this world and always praying very publically, doing recognised holy things that set her apart from others less holy than her. That’s Holy isn’t it?

Not according to Jesus in Matthew’s gospel this week (Matt 5:38-48)! That is piety, not necessarily holiness. Holiness is determined, apparently, not by our piety, but our love for one another. As ever, Jesus urges us to be counter-instinctive.  To move beyond the feel-good love of those who love us, to the awkward love of those who don’t. Doesn’t that go against the grain! It is all very well to love someone who kisses you on the cheek. But what about someone who hits you on the cheek or steals from you, or is different to us or even hates us? Jesus tells us clearly we must love them especially.

And we pray too, not simply for our loved ones and those in tune with us, but for those who are different and those who seem to hate and persecute us. We love as Jesus loves when we roll up our sleeves doing practical, difficult things for and with those in need. When we do un-glamourous but necessary work for and with those in poverty, those of other faiths and of no faith, those fleeing war and genocide.  South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission revealed an astounding story of a grieving mother forgiving and eventually adopting her son’s killer. That mother exemplified the perfectly loving “holy” people Jesus calls us to be in this gospel.

When we find common ground with, sometimes those who even hate us, we are progressing on the path of love for God and all His creation, seeking to be “perfect as (our) heavenly Father is perfect”. Then we do truly become ‘holy people’. 

Deacon Mark Kelly