Day Thirty - Sanctity
Today's Reflection
by Henry Niemeyer
What are we striving for here on earth? It’s far too easy to lose sight of this ultimate end towards which all our means should be directed. Now, as for what it is, there is a lot of ambiguity that I see—even among Catholics—on what it might be. For some, reaching heaven; for others, sanctity; and for others, simply being moral and following the law. Well, Christ left little room for ambiguity when He told us what to do: “be perfect.”
But what does that mean for us right now? It will vary, but there’s a good starting point. I bet there’s one sin—could be big or very little—that you don’t want to give up. You might be willing to go through the most rigorous sanctification if you can only keep that one sin. “Surely the other things are more important, right? I can just work on those other things in the interim?”
Yes. You can absolutely just work on those other things. But they’re not taking up nearly as much space in your heart. The one thing you’re most attached to is the one that’s occupying more of the space in your heart that rightfully belongs to God.
In light of all this, my challenge to you today is to find that one thing, the one you least want to give up, and get rid of it. It’s not easy, but no one said it would be. Sanctity is hard, yet within reach. Pray always (remember Mary, your mom), use the grace that is given you, don’t give up, and for the love of all that is holy, don’t lose your humour along the way.
“In anything that does cover the whole of your life - in your philosophy and your religion - you must have mirth. If you do not have mirth you will certainly have madness.”
~G. K. Chesterton
Prayer for Holiness
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love only what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me so, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.
Amen.
Prayer published by Catholic Online.