Universal Call to Holiness: Gospel Meditation
An inward transformation occurs when we decide to follow Jesus Christ. Things change. We see the world differently, understand our journey more deeply and profoundly, have our sights fixed on eternity and union with God and hold ourselves to higher standards and virtues. It requires a conscious choice to be a Christian, and this choice must be renewed at least daily. While the basic premise of Jesus’ message may appear heartwarming and straightforward: love of God, neighbor, and self, the implications of doing so are challenging. The true disciple is called to live radically, and often finds himself at odds with the world or even with those in their own homes.
One of the most concise and yet comprehensive statements in Scripture describing the dynamics of the spiritual life is Philippians 3. It is arguably the apostle Paul’s most transparent expression of His inward spiritual passion and pursuit.
“More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having any righteousness of my own based on the law but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God, depending on faith to know him and the power of his resurrection and [the] sharing of his sufferings by being conformed to his death. if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Phil 3: 8-11)
Holding ourselves to higher standards comes with a price. We must leave other things behind. It is difficult to be people of faith, hope, and love in a world often fixated with its own fulfillment and self-absorption. Justice, temperance, prudence, and fortitude require sacrifice if they are to be lived with integrity. God’s ways are not ours comes from Isaiah 55:8-9, reminding us that God's infinite mercy, love, and wisdom are far greater than human understanding. God is giving even greater grace making it easier than ever for us to become saints! And that is great news, especially for people who have gotten depressed or discouraged because of so much evil and corruption in the world, including our own personal sin, darkness, and wounds.
This becomes clear to those who have enough courage to stand against the tide. Putting love into action requires that we challenge accepted modes of doing business and fight complacency. This is what makes the saints stand out as witnesses. They are simply sinners, just like us, who persevere.
People do not want to be told that they are heading in the wrong direction. Clinging to their insistence and need to be correct, they can become defensive when challenged. This can happen even with those closest to us. As much as the Gospel calls us to unity, it also can easily create division. When we love seriously, we encounter more than feelings of warmth and acceptance. “What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.” (St. Augustine) Love also has the courage and honesty to tell people what they may not want to hear but need to, and model, without wavering, a life of humble, loving, and faithful service. Do not lose heart! There are many examples of faith before us and around us. If Jesus endured the voices of opposition, so too can we. There is no need to apologize for speaking the truth.
A Prayer of Transformation
Jesus, you are full of compassion! Thank you for giving us the power to change through the power of your Spirit that dwells within us. Thank you for transforming each and every one of us. Fill us with your heart of mercy, teach us to reach out to those around us with a gentle and compassionate spirit. May we see the dignity of each and every person as a masterpiece created in your image. May we give to others the mercy and forgiveness you have given to us.
“Lord Jesus, we rejoice in your ongoing work of transformation in our lives. We rejoice in your victory in our lives through the power of your cross and resurrection.” Amen
—Deacon Gerry Flamm
“Dear children! Also, today I am praying to the Holy Spirit to fill your hearts with a strong faith. Prayer and faith will fill your heart with love and joy, and you will be a sign for those who are far from God. Little children, encourage each other to prayer with the heart, so that prayer may fulfill your life; and each day, you, little children, will be, above all, witnesses of serving God in adoration and of your neighbor in need. I am with you and intercede for all of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”