Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
“Be holy because I am holy” Our readings present a call to discipleship that is very challenging. At first glance it’s nearly impossible. We are to be holy like Jesus? That’s a non-starter. I am very aware of my foibles and failings, and get discouraged facing big projects and long-term goals. When I view holiness as a perfection that only canonized saints ever attain, I want to give up even trying.
Yet, the call to holiness is for everyone, and is rooted in our Baptism. The meaning of the word holy is being sacred, set apart and belonging to God, and to be a vessel of God’s presence. Each of us is unique, with our own set of gifts and challenges. The call to holiness is to be truly and fully who we are as beloved of God - no more and no less. The world needs each of us!
The good news is that we have been given the grace and ability to do all this through the Spirit’s guidance. The first reading gives us some guideposts for this holy living:
- Set our hopes and focus on God
- Contain and restrain our minds and mouths when they take paths that are not life-giving by taking time for reflection and prayer
- Live soberly - choosing healthy eating and drinking; living simply and moderately in our consumption - distinguishing between true needs and what are mere wants.
Holiness is more of a dynamic journey and an ongoing process than a destination. Jesus doesn’t let Peter stop at “We have given up everything and followed you” as being sufficient. Jesus refocuses away from boasting about spiritual accomplishments and invites us to the ongoing letting go of our clinging to status and possessions. All so that we can better follow the daily Gospel call with generosity and an open heart. Jesus flips the world’s standards of wealth and success to speak of lasting values - the immeasurable spiritual richness in this world and the next. In this journey we can expect struggles, opposition and persecution along with the promise of eternal life!
Questions to ponder today:
- What is holding me back from trusting my call to be holy?
- What giving up or letting go can I do (of things, attitudes, and patterns) that will open my time, space and heart for prayer and generosity to others?
I offer these little reminders that mentors gave to encourage my journey when I’ve been stuck: “it’s a cinch by the inch and hard by the yard” and “the longest journey begins with a single step” May the Spirit guide us and God’s grace bless each of our holy journeys!
—Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI