Oil Change Required - Homily Reflection 7th Sunday OTA

(Readings)

“Holy - Holy - Holy, LORD God Almighty. Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.” 

That is one of my favorite songs. It’s from Rev 4:8. 

“Holy – Holy – Holy” -- “Only thou art holy.” (….. Tires screeching to a halt ……)

That’s the fault in the song. God wants us all to be Holy. The LORD said to the Israelites “Be Holy, for I the LORD your God am Holy.” By this command, each and every one of us is called to be Holy.

Writing this, I was at Rocket Lube getting my truck’s oil changed. I have always followed the maintenance rules for my truck. Years ago, when automobiles were simpler, oil changes were 3 months or 3000 miles. Things change, technology improves; recommended oil changes became every 5000 miles. Now, my newest truck is more complicated. A computer monitors operation and oil condition. When the oil needs to be changed, a message appears on my instrument panel: oil change required.

I’m not comparing our LORD to an oil change; I’m comparing people. -- Sometimes, we need to be given instructions on changing; directions on how to be Holy.

For the Israelites, to be Holy was to be the people of God so the LORD would be with the community. They had simple rules; Holiness was what was good for the community.

The Israelites interpreted Holiness was doing right by their community. Their community was the neighbor who looks like them, spoke like them, and dressed like them. To be holy was to be good and respectful to your nation, your people, and your family.

But, things change, people change, and for the Israelites this meant that the temple became Holy.  It became the place where the Holiness of God resided. To be holy, members of the community went to temple, offered sacrifice, and followed the law. For many, the trip to temple was a once a year thing.

Those two examples were  limited understandings of God and holiness. And, God sent His Word so we would understand what is Holy. Jesus told us there's more to being Holy.

Jesus came to bring Holiness to the people; a holiness for everyone. God's love came as man in Jesus so the world would know how to be Holy. His example was more than the people of God would have imagined. Jesus showed us Holy is when God’s love acts in us. Love, by Jesus’ example, acts wisely and gently to bring us to holiness.

Jesus tells us that being Holy is not a private act.

We cannot be Holy in private and be something else to the world. When someone strikes you offer the other cheek as well. If someone takes your tunic, offer them your cloak. If they ask for a mile, give them two. These are no secretive acts but acts of boldness; but examples of the strength of Holiness. Being Holy is not a private act.

St. Paul explains it well. Each and every one of us is a temple of God. Each of our bodies is where the Holy of Holies resides. But people tend to want to ruin that holiness by trying to be smarter than God; trying to destroy God’s temple with foolish human wisdom; taking credit for God, his works, or his Holiness.

Jesus told us that to be Holy we have to do better. The rain falls on the good and bad. The sun shines on the just and unjust. All people love those who love them. Even those who don’t know God are good to their family. To be Holy, we have to give all. Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. Show the other cheek. Give them all your clothes. And, go the extra mile.

To do the things Jesus tells us is not weakness. It’s being strong and not falling victim to our natural state. It’s super-natural and holy.

Jesus tells us, be perfect (Holy) as your Heavenly Father is perfect (Holy). The same instruction was given to the Israelites.  The word of God, Christ Jesus, wants us to be Holy.

At the Rocket Lube, I’m thinking about the oil changed required message and comparing myself to that truck. Vehicles are complicated just like people. So complicated are vehicles that messages or little voice from the vehicle will give instructions. Humanity is more complicated than automobiles and many are looking for instructions. The world will look to things or ideals or someone to give them directions. Do they look to Jesus?

Everyone needs direction; Jesus shows us how to change.  

We cannot be Christians in private. It’s turning the other cheek that sets us apart. The extra mile distinguishes us. Our prayers bring us closer to God. God's love in us acts wisely and kindly to open us to holiness.  

Be open to that love; because, God wants us all to be - Holy, Holy, Holy.

Y’all be good, y’all be holy, preach the gospel by the way you live and love. Amen.