Jesus calls us to be holy as He is holy — to be holy in every aspect of our conduct (1 Pt 1:15-16). Our holiness may need to surpass even that of those we consider holy (see Mt 5:20). We must become the very righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21, RNAB) and become perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect (Mt 5:48). Jesus' standards for holiness are the highest ever set for human beings. In fact, they are humanly impossible — but absolutely necessary for us to see God (Heb 12:14), that is, go to heaven.
The only way to meet the Lord's requirement of perfect holiness (1 Thes 5:23) is through the Holy Spirit. We cannot be holy by our might and power, but only by the Holy Spirit (Zec 4:6). Only the Holy Spirit can prepare for the Lord a Church that is "holy and immaculate, without stain or wrinkle or anything of that sort" (Eph 5:27).
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a stronger desire for holiness. May you want holiness more than you want pleasure. May you love the Lord so deeply that you want to be like Him, that is, to be holy. May you live and die for holiness' sake (see Mt 5:6). Come, Spirit of holiness!
| PRAYER: | Father, may I be sick of sin, crucified to the world (Gal 6:14), and holy. |
| PROMISE: | "Your paths overflow with a rich harvest; the untilled meadows overflow with it, and rejoicing clothes the hills." –Ps 65:12-13 |
| PRAISE: | St. Ephrem of Syria was a deacon and hermit. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI reminded the faithful that St. Ephrem was known as the "Harp of the Holy Spirit." |
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