From Maintenance To Mission

Be holy.

Yes, you! No matter your age, how busy you are, or what other people may think. Every one of us is called by God to be holy. We read it in the Book of Leviticus from the old Testament, and in St. Peter’s First Letter in the New Testament. But why does God insist that we be holy? Pope Francis provides a beautiful answer:

“Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy. On the contrary, you will become what the Father had in mind when he created you, and you will be faithful to your deepest self. To depend on God sets us free from every form of enslavement and leads us to recognize our great dignity.” (Gaudete et Exsultate, 32)

“To depend on God…” We cannot become holy on our own, we need God’s help (grace). “Sets us free from every form of enslavement…” We are all bound by loads of responsibilities, work, schedules, and commitments. These things control our time and use up our energy, making us like zombie-slaves. But even though holiness requires prayer, sacrifice and generosity, these are choices we make freely; they not only bless the people we help, but they become our own blessings, as well. In God’s economy, the more you give, the more you receive.

To be holy “leads us to recognize our great dignity….” You are worth more than your work. You are valued for far more than your achievements, your title and your bank account. You are loved by God, no matter what, simply because you are You. And you belong to Him; GOD. It is through our relationship with him, as his sons and daughters, that we derive our dignity.
“I’m good enough for heaven just the way I am,” said no Saint ever! This Lent, pray to grow in holiness and see how God blesses you. The ripple effect of your holiness will revitalize your relationships, your work, our parish and beyond.