The Call To Holiness

by Fr. Clement, VC  |  01/14/2024  |  Weekly Reflection

The readings for this weekend speak to us about God’s call. Those of us doing our best to practice the faith heard God’s call at one point in our life and said yes to Him. The goal of God’s call for each one of us is to grow in holiness. Our celebration this weekend gives us an opportunity to reexamine our expectations about the call to holiness. It is important we have the right understanding of what holiness is, else we risk burdening ourselves with unrealistic expectations.

First and foremost, I would like us to know that holiness is not a destination but a journey. The story of the Israelites’ movement from Egypt to the promised land, with all the drama that ensues is simply the story of their journey to holiness. Their journey was characterized by ups and downs. There were times when they were obedient and times when they were annoyingly disobedient. There were times when it seemed like they have made huge spiritual progress and right after, they are back to being disobedient to God. Well, their story is a foreshadowing of every believer’s journey to holiness. In this world, holiness is neither a quick fix, nor a destination, but a journey.

It is very important to recognize that one’s commitment to become holy is not accomplished quickly, once we say “I do” to the Lord. It means a daily—even hourly—struggle to return to God, to take the next good step, to keep going and keep growing. Holiness is in the struggle. It is our stubborn refusal to let nothing separate us from God.