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Called To Holiness
Dear Divine Mercy Family,
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us “All are called to holiness: “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (#2013) For many of us, this call seems a bit overwhelming. All too aware of our weak nature and concupiscence, we could easily give up before we begin. But nothing has ever been accomplished if it has not been tried. Therefore, since Our Lord commands it, we are compelled to pursue it.
Based on rational thinking, the best I can be will not likely be the best there is, but if I strive to become the best Christian I can, Our Merciful Saviour can take my imperfection and turn it into something more glorious than I can imagine. All He asks of me is to strive. This is as far as I can allow my reason to take me, least it confine me to human boundaries, when with God all things are possible.
Years ago, when I first made a decision to follow Jesus and respond to His call to holiness, I believe I focused too much on a preconceived idea of Sanctity, like forced piety and self-control. As I have grown in the Lord, Wisdom has taught me that it is ‘union with God’ that must supercede all else. It is not so much what I do, but what I be, that counts. For example, to ‘be’ in His Presence at every moment, to be conscious of Our Merciful Saviour throughout the whole day. When I wake up to say “Hi, Jesus. Thanks for the good night.” When I find myself talking to Him in this simple little way, continually through the day, I feel extremely close to Him and hardly have to think what He wills for me, for His grace permeates the space I am in.
If we are in the habit of acknowledging His constant Presence, when obstacles, persecutions, or confrontations arise we walk through them with Him, and remain in perpetual dialogue with our Triune God. “Lord, what should I say?” “What shall I do now?” “Help me to love this person as You love them.” “Lord, I am sorry, please forgive me, and help me do better.” “Lord, please help me to do this horrible task for love of you.” etc., etc. Piety and self-denial grow naturally out of this intimate interaction with Our God! Hallelujah!
The people we live with, work with, recreate with are all gifts God has given to us to help us become holy. Once we begin to see them in this way, resentments flee. Through others, we learn patience, charity, self-control, mercy, and humility. It is through interaction with our spouses, our children, our friends, our co-workers, our neighbours, our relatives, and especially our enemies that we learn how to be Christ-like. These people are our way to Sanctity, more so than a thousand prayers! If we are serious about growing in holiness, we much not run from the crosses we are sent each day. One of the most liberating realizations for me was to fully comprehend that my spouse is my way to Sanctity (not an obstacle to it). Glory to God on High!
We, each and every Christian, are Brides of Christ. Let us fly, therefore, to His bosom and rest upon His shoulder as St. John did, that we too will be His beloved ones.
Bless you on your journey to Holiness,
Grace Devine.
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