IN SEARCH OF HOLINESS

IN SEARCH OF HOLINESS

Pope Francis has issued a new Apostolic Exhortation called Gaudete Et Exsultate, Rejoice and be Glad, in which he encourages us to achieve holiness. 

The dictionary describes holy as: worthy of complete devotion and/or perfect in goodness and righteousness. That definition is what keeps us from even considering the possibility that we can be holy.  We’re lucky if people like us, let alone considering us worthy of complete devotion. It seems beyond us, ordinary people that we are.  

The Holy Father, however, is explaining that holiness does not have to be lofty beyond the rest of the human race, but instead can be achieved through simple acts of kindness. We ascribe holiness to people like Fr. Solanus and Mother Theresa, but the truth is they were actually only doing their jobs.  They were patient, kind, concerned for others and set a good example for everyone else all the while acknowledging the presence of God in their lives. 

Fr. James Martin explains it this way:  “That doesn’t have to mean big, dramatic actions. Francis offers examples of everyday sanctity, like a loving parent raising a child; as well as “small gestures” and sacrifices that one can make, like deciding not to pass on gossip. If you can see your own life as a “mission,” then you soon realize that you can simply be loving and kind to move towards holiness. You also do not have to be “swooning in mystic rapture” to be a saint or walking around with “lowered eyes.” Nor do you have to withdraw from other people.  “

This will require a complete change of perception for us.  After a lifetime of thinking of holiness as something only extraordinary people achieve, we must begin to think of ways in which we can be holy.  First we have to get over the idea that we must be perfect.  I don’t think I could get through 10 minutes trying to be perfect.  The truth is I don’t think we want to be perfect.  Have you ever noticed that when you complete something, say a paint job or a sewing project, and are showing it to someone, the first thing you do is point out your mistakes? I believe we do not want to be different and holiness seems destined to make us different. But, the Pope says this is the way to holiness and his simple goodness and unselfconscious compassion look a lot like holiness. 

Let’s say holiness is goodness practiced regularly. Patience, lack of judgment of others, putting others needs ahead of our own, and genuine concern for justice backed up by action. All done with the understanding that it is what God wants from us and the love we show others is the reflection of God’s love.

Let us pray for one another. 

Blessings,

Carol Lemelin OPA