Leviticus 21 1–6)

The Lord said to Moses, “Tell these things to Aaron’s sons, the priests: A priest must not make himself unclean by touching a dead person. But if the dead person was one of his close relatives, he can touch the dead body. The priest can make himself unclean if the dead person is his mother or father, his son or daughter, his brother or his unmarried sister. (This sister is close to him because she has no husband. So the priest may make himself unclean for her if she dies.) But a priest must not make himself unclean if the dead person was only one of his slaves. “Priests must not shave their heads bald. They must not shave off the edges of their beards. They must not make any cuts in their bodies. Priests must be holy for their God. They must show respect for God’s name. They offer bread and special gifts to the Lord, so they must be holy.

 Priests must avoid ritual impurity from the dead; they may not make themselves ceremonially unclean for relatives except for closest family; they must keep the sanctity of their service and may not take on the profane. Key idea: Separation for service. Priests are called to a higher standard of ceremonial purity because their role brings them into direct contact with the holy things of God. Reflection: When we serve God publicly, our choices carry weight; integrity and reverence protect the community’s access to God.

Dear Blessed Lord Jesus, shape my life so my service honors You. Give me integrity in private and public and help me reflect Your holiness in how I live and love. Love you, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Your mighty Precious name Lord Jesus Amen.