I recently read (again) that all Christians are called to holiness. I get that in the abstract, but I don’t usually think of myself as holy. I usually avoid holiness (or the perception of holiness). My problem is that I confuse holiness with piety or religiosity or self-righteousness. And I’m none of those things. In fact, I work hard not to appear to be pious or religious or self-righteous. There’s my stumbling block – appearance. Why am I so worried about appearing holy? Am I afraid to show my love for God and others?

All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the perfection of love, and by this holiness a more human manner of life is fostered in earthly society. (Vatican II – Lumen Gentium 5:40).

So, love or the perfection of love is holiness? We are called to generous love, to closeness with God, to holiness. Dang it! I just want to be a good guy. A good husband, good dad, good granddad, good brother, good friend and good neighbor. Being holy has never been my goal, but I want to love others. If loving God and loving others makes me holy, then I guess, bring it on.

My heart aches for the violence and bloodshed in Israel. It’s impossible for me to understand the hate that compels such atrocities. The news reports are devasting and I confess that I have turned the television off a few times because watching it becomes unbearable. But I want to wrap my arms around the victims and their families. I pray that God will ease their suffering. Their plight seems hopeless, and my prayers seem feeble. Can one person sitting in the comfort and safety of his home make a difference? Holiness says yes.

A friend is battling cancer and has begun her chemo treatments. She is a young mother with such vitality and optimism and joy that it seems inconceivable that she should fall victim to this disease. I pray for her and her young family. I pray for healing and strength. Do my prayers matter? Holiness says yes.

Our oldest granddaughter is beginning her adult life. She is gay. She is opting for a less conventional path toward future employment – choosing an apprenticeship as an iron worker instead of college. I’m proud of the person she is – honest, loving, brave, but I worry about her future. Will uncertainty, hardship, and fear accompany her journey in life? I pray and I ask God to watch over her. Does it matter? Holiness says yes.

I suppose I should stop saying that I’m not holy. Holiness is a lifetime of conversion – a constant dance with God. I didn’t ask for holiness, but I’ve asked God for help, and I’ve thanked God for my blessings countless times.

I am learning (slowly) to perfect my love and to accept my call to holiness.

Peace,

Denis