The Book of Leviticus is a book of religous and liturgical laws. There are two possible approaches to the law. The first looks at the law as a mirror in which we see only our own performance, the degree to which we have adhered to or fallen short of its prescriptions. One of two undesirable consequences might result. Taking pride in our own fidelity, we can become pharisaically self-righteous. Or we can feel perpetually guilty and unworthy in the face of our failure to live up to the ideals of the law. Either way, we lose sight of its true source, spirit and purpose. But when we approach the law as a window, we see the face of a loving God, who wants nothing less than for us to share fully in His love. Approached in this way, the law fulfills its purpose. It becomes life-giving rather than death-dealing.

Jesus came to fulfill the law. Looking into His face, we encounter the life-changing love of God the Father. But not all see this. As with the law, some see only their own performance. Herod is a case in point. Hearing of Jesus, he thinks only of how he unjustly put John the Baptist to death. Blind to the compassionate face of Jesus, he remains trapped in his perverse way of life.

And what about us? What is our approach to Jesus? Are our religious practices a mirror or a window? Are they life-giving or death-dealing?