This week is called "Holy Week" because, during this week, the Lord gives us the grace to become more holy, to become like Him in every aspect of our conduct (1 Pt 1:15). Of course, every week is holy week because the Lord constantly calls us to become holy as He is holy (1 Pt 1:15-16). However, this week is the opportunity to realize that the Lord is constantly trying to "rouse" us to holiness. In Holy Week, we can receive the grace to hunger and thirst for holiness (Mt 5:6). If Holy Week turns out as God has planned it, then on Easter we will want to be a holy one, a saint, more than we want anything else in life. Then we will utilize the circumstances of our life not to maximize pleasure and minimize pain but to maximize holiness.
In the coming days and years, we can expect to be persecuted (2 Tm 3:12). We may be beaten, buffeted, and spit at (see Is 50:6). Only if we are holy will we respond to this abuse with love, forgiveness, and courage. Like Jesus, we may be betrayed even by those closest to us (see Mt 26:21). Only the holy respond to betrayal without betraying the Lord through sin. Only if we are holy will we be loving spouses, wise parents, obedient children, true friends, victorious workers, or faithful Christians. Only the holy are pure, joyful, and free. Without holiness, we cannot see God (Heb 12:14), we cannot go to heaven. After this Holy Week, may we want holiness enough to live and die for it.
| PRAYER: | Lord, make me holy – no matter what it takes. |
| PROMISE: | "Morning after morning He opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back." –Is 50:4-5 |
| PRAISE: | "The Lord hears the poor, and His own who are in bonds He spurns not" (Ps 69:34). Praise You, Jesus, for becoming poor, so we might become rich (2 Cor 8:9). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College