The readings for Pentecost 22 are taken from Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13; and Matthew 22:34-46. These all are about being holy, which means to be set apart to live purely according to God’s design, with Jesus being exactly that and describing this life in two commands and Paul describing the Thessalonians thus.
Leviticus records a set of commandments nestled between two profound statements: we actually will be holy because God is AND the One saying this to us IS the Lord God Himself. No other god keeps us away from what is forbidden here.
Paul recounts how carefully they conducted themselves among the Thessalonians in order to be faithful to God and effective in their mission. And the people of Thessalonica received the Word, not as the words of men but at it is in truth, the Word of God. God’s Word works effectively in us, applying the pure life of Jesus to us and regenerating our souls in His image so that we actually live as He did.
Matthew records a lawyer asking what is the great commandment. The lawyer is an example of the opposite of holy. The lawyer is corrupted through and through, looking for a way to live against God and neighbor while claiming his life is right. As always, Jesus’ answer is powerful in its clarity and simplicity. Then Jesus asks whose son is the Christ. Here is the Word of God working effectively—Jesus accomplishing a pure life for us; Jesus teaching; Jesus exposing and correcting effectively; Jesus loving God and neighbor, even enemies.