wholly holy
"The man who acts in holiness is holy indeed, even as the Son is holy." —1 John 3:7
Jesus is holy (1 Jn 3:7). His lowly birth proclaims loud and clear that humility and simplicity are critical to holiness. The world preaches that Christmas is a time to add more material things to our life. The Infant Jesus doesn't speak, but His lying in a lowly manger screams out the truth that Christmas is a time to grow in holiness by simplifying our lifestyle and getting rid of things that distract us from the Lord.
We can grow in holiness by immersing ourselves in holy things, such as Holy Mass and Holy Communion. You are reading this booklet because you are interested in the Holy Scriptures. The Lord is so concerned that we be holy that He comes to us as the Holy Spirit, Who leads us to all holiness. We grow in holiness by seeking the Holy Spirit and yielding to His every action in our lives.
We also grow in holiness by avoiding unholy actions. "No one whose actions are unholy belongs to God" (1 Jn 3:10). How holy is our speech? Are we fascinated with impure or violent scenes in movies or TV? What do we think about? Have we grown in holiness this Christmas season, or have we become "bloated with indulgence"? (Lk 21:34)
Repent! Make a Christmas Confession. "Do not yield to the desires that once shaped you in your ignorance. Rather, become holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, after the likeness of the Holy One Who called you" (1 Pt 1:14-15). The Infant Jesus cries out: "Be holy, for I am holy" (1 Pt 1:16).
Prayer: Jesus, I don't want to be lazy and ignore Your love. Grant that I may "hunger and thirst for holiness" (Mt 5:6).
Promise: "Look! There is the Lamb of God." —Jn 1:36
Praise: St. Elizabeth answered God's call and was used instrumentally by God to establish His word in a newly formed nation.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2006
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