Today begins our Lenten season this year. Even though Lent didn’t officially start until today, this past Sunday’s gospel was already beginning to set the stage for this time of repentance and reflection.

This Sunday’s readings and gospel all revolved around the idea of forgiveness and loving your neighbor. When Father George got up to share his homily message, he explained things in a different light. He stated, “In today’s readings the Lord is asking us how we are going to live a more holy life. He’s not asking what our brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors are doing. He’s asking US how WE are going to live a holy life.”

Normally when we read these passages we gloss over the “love thy neighbor” and “harbor no hatred against your brother” parts. We’ve read them so often they become commonplace. As these passages become more familiar to us, they can also become less meaningful. While hearing the gospels where Jesus preaches about loving our neighbors and being free of hate, it’s very easy while sitting in the safety of our church pew to think loving thy neighbor isn’t all that hard.

Father George went on to point out “Jesus isn’t asking us to love our neighbors only if they’re nice to us. He asking us how WE are going to be more holy on our OWN.” I once read a quote about peace that says “Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of all of those things and still be calm in your heart.” The challenge isn’t loving our neighbor. Our challenge is to remain holy in the face of wrongdoing and hate from others – sometimes those who are the closest to us.

Normally my Lenten ‘penance’ involves giving up wine, sweets, soda, or other things that I like to enjoy in my everyday life. This year I’m going to focus instead on my prayer life – specifically praying for others. Maybe this year for Lent instead of giving something up you can choose to add a holy activity to your day. I feel like Jesus would rather have us arrive at Easter Sunday ten pounds heavier but with less hatred in our hearts.