The Bible is a goldmine of ways to be holy! Here are some golden nuggets to consider:
Remember that God created us to be holy. St. Paul reminds us, “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight;” Hebrews 12:14 and “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Choose to be holy. St. Peter instructs us, “as He Who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, ‘Be holy because I [am] holy.’” 1Peter 1:15-16
Live a peaceful life. “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
Practice the fruits of holiness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
Share the Good News of God’s goodness. “Sing the praises of the LORD, you His faithful people; praise His holy name.” Psalms 30:4
Control your thoughts. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
Help others to be holy. “For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.” John 17:19
Here are ideas for you as you seek to know Jesus in Holiness:
PRAY
- Pray for people in your life who have neither faith nor the desire to become holy.
- Examine your conscience at the end of each day and consider not only the things you are doing that are holy, but also the things you are not doing that help keep yourself holy.
ACT
- Join your parish community at St. John Vianney on October 3 at 6pm for a special First Friday Mass dedicated to peace in our nation.
- Begin (or increase) your study of the Bible, especially the New Testament, seeking guidance for your own life from the way Jesus led His.
INSPIRE
- Actively seek opportunities to serve others, especially strangers, thereby demonstrating God’s love and bringing them closer to holiness.
- Exhibit joy and grace in all that you do, especially in difficult situations that can tempt one to behave in less-than-holy ways.