Be holy!

Pope Francis is calling you to be holy! But what does it mean to be holy? Isn’t that reserved to those who “withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer?” (GE, 14) It is essential to engage in frequent dialogue with Jesus. The more we encounter Jesus, the more we are transformed! Our ears become increasingly fine-tuned to single out God’s voice from the many noises and distractions. Often we embark on different journeys, seeking to understand what God is asking of us. We need not look too far! In the famous words of Saint Augustine: “you were within, and I was in the external world and sought you there!” God’s voice can be found within us. He is calling us by our name to step out of our comfort zone, move beyond what is familiar and be holy in our own unique way. Let us not forget that Jesus himself was young, about 30 when he began his public ministry, 33 when he was crucified, yet his ideas lasted more than 2000 years! We too are called to leave a mark in our world (GE, 129), by continuously asking, in what way can I contribute? So “open the door of your cage, go out and fly!” (CV, 143)

The most attractive face of the Church!

“Holiness is the most attractive face of the Church.” (GE, 9) What does a holy face look like? Since October 2020, thousands of people have been flocking to Assisi to venerate the remains of a young saint, Blessed Carlo Acutis. When he was exposed for the first time, many were surprised, if not shocked at how normal he looked. Wearing a casual sweater, jeans and Nike trainers, Carlo gave the impression that he was simply having a lie-down after a day at school with his friends. The sight of Carlo in a magnificent stone sarcophagus has an uplifting effect on those who visit him. A scene that captures the beauty of holiness. The stone is lifted from the ground as if the young saint is rising to meet his one and only passion, Jesus! A holy face is one that reflects the light and love of Jesus. The young saint used to ask, “Why do people worry so much about the beauty of their own body and not about the beauty of their soul?” We invest so much on ourselves, our exterior, yet we often fail to realize that within us lies a seed continuously waiting to be nourished and bear a kind of fruit that only we can provide, through the opportunities life offers us, the choices we make and the people we encounter. In Carlo’s words, “God has written for each one of us a unique and unrepeatable story, but he has left us the freedom to write the ending.”

Do not be afraid of holiness! (GE, 32)

In Christus Vivit (286), Pope Francis invites young people to ask one crucial question – “For whom am I?” Each of us was born with an endowment of qualities and gifts. We are invited to share them with those around us. We are called to use our talents to contribute to the world, and to the Church! Being humble enough to acknowledge that we were lent these gifts empowers us to let ourselves be guided by the Holy Spirit as we make use of them in our journey. The Holy Spirit can help us find the courage to be loyal to our genuine selves and use our joys and passions to be of service. Pope Francis reminds us that it is all in the little details, examples set by Jesus himself (GE, 144):

• The little detail that wine was running out at a party.
• The little detail that one sheep was missing.
• The little detail of noticing the widow who offered her two small coins.
• The little detail of having spare oil for the lamps, should the bridegroom delay.
• The little detail of asking the disciples how many loaves of bread they had.
• The little detail of having a fire burning and a fish cooking as he waited for the disciples at daybreak.

It is about simple but powerful acts of kindness and love shared within a community. One needs only to keep a watchful eye. Do not hesitate or wait for permission to do good!

And do not remain silent! 

How can one not share something that gives so much joy? Pope Francis questions why we don’t tell others that Jesus gives us strength in life, that we enjoy talking with him (CV,176). We are reminded of Saint Paul’s words “Woe to me if I do not proclaim the Gospel” (1 Cor 9:16)! More than proclaiming it, the Gospel is meant to be lived, fearlessly – “in our neighbourhoods, in school or sports or social life, in volunteer service, or in the workplace. Wherever we are, we always have an opportunity to share the joy of the Gospel.” (CV, 177) Let us not downplay the power of prayerful reading of the Gospel, which illuminates our path towards holiness. We are not just an important part of the Church, we are the Church, and the Church is holy! 

As Léon Bloy describes “The only real sadness, the only real failure, the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint.”