What is holiness?
There are some who think holiness is simply the elimination of sin — that the goal and purpose of our lives is to fight our fallen tendencies and so to win the crown of righteousness. Others, of a more optimistic persuasion, think of holiness as the cultivation of natural virtues. Once we have developed the perfect balance of prudence, fortitude, temperance and justice, we shall be worthy to be named “holy.” Still others, more simplistically, think of holiness as “doing hard things.” Just as the cross was hard for Jesus, and often the same for the great saints, so too we must seek hard things and conquer them.
Holiness is none of these things. The eradication of sin, cultivation of virtue and overcoming challenges all have a part to play, but none of them get to the heart of holiness. What, then, is holiness?
On one hand, you have your life: broken, beautiful and beloved in God’s sight. The joy-filled moments of laughter with family and friends; the heartbreak of saying farewell to those you love; the peaceful spirit of living small works of charity each day; the sadness of sin; the trauma of physical and emotional pain; gratitude for the Lord’s forgiveness and healing touch.
On the other hand, we have the life of Jesus Christ: His humility in becoming a man at the Annunciation; His love for His mother Mary and for His father Joseph as He grew older; His healing miracles that brought hope to broken lives; His prophetic witness to the truth of His Father’s love; and ultimately His supreme self-gift in His death and resurrection.
Holiness is when you take these two lives — your life and the life of Jesus Christ — and allow them to become one. When you weep, weep with Jesus as He did at Lazarus’ death. When you are rejected, stand with Jesus as His own cousins cast Him out of His home town of Nazareth. When you relax with friends, rest as Jesus did in the home of Martha and Mary at Bethany. When your heart is filled with joy and gladness, retreat as Jesus did to the solitude of prayer to give thanks to your Father.
When you hear the admonition: “Strive for holiness,” think of nothing beyond entering into deeper communion with Jesus Christ. With all your heart, fall in love and stay in love, and you will be holy.
Father Charlie Archer is associate pastor of St. Peter Parish in Kirkwood.
