Is Holiness Boring?
Before becoming Catholic I believed that holiness was being pious and serious. Whenever, I’d enter a Catholic Church I would see stained glass windows and statues of saints praying on their knees with their eyes and arms outstretched toward heaven. Moreover, none of the saints ever smiled. Since then I’ve come to learn that the icons in Catholic (and Orthodox) churches are reminiscent of an artistic style that stretches back nearly 1700 years. I mean, what was I thinking? Should icons of saints resemble TikTok, Instagram, or SnapChat posts?
Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen
from Unsplash.com
Even so, if holiness is defined by nonstop prayer and seriousness, count me out. Maybe I don’t want to be a saint. Even after becoming Catholic, I’d pray for God to make me “holy…enough,” because I didn’t want to be miserable.
But if you think about it, if holiness is defined by misery then God is not Our Father, but a narcissistic master who imposes duties on us so, in turn, we get what we need.
Holiness = Peace, Confidence & Acceptance
What surprised me even more, is that when I came across nuns wearing habits, faithful priests or married couples striving to live an authentic Christian marriage they were the furthest from misery. They were filled with peace, confidence, love and weren’t judgemental. I always wanted to be around them.
Josh & Lisa
One example is my friend Josh. Josh and his wife Lisa, and now 8 children, live in Florida. If you met Josh and Lisa you’d get the impression that they live a stress free life. Couldn’t be further from the truth. Josh has struggled with depression and Lisa is a business owner, mom and a cancer survivor. Despite their struggles they are generous with their time, money and marriage. If you’d like to learn more about Josh and Lisa visit Lisa’s YouTube Channel @LisaCanning. There’s a lot more I can say about Josh and Lisa’s example of holiness, but in brief, their example has led me closer to Jesus and continues to inspire my marriage.
Holiness = Joy + Conquering Tribulation
Holiness is simply striving to live communion with Jesus’ teachings. If Jesus is God, and not a conman, then his teachings will naturally lead us to a life of joy, even in the face of tribulation.
So this is holiness: To live a life in union (or friendship) with Jesus while overcoming tribulations on our way to heaven. Once we reach heaven we become saints.
The apostle John’s vision in the book of Revelation is of all the men, women and children who have conquered through the tribulations of life, just as Jesus conquered the Cross. John writes, “”These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
In my experience, people who strive for holiness are able to be positive and joyful because they don’t allow the tribulations of this world to overwhelm them. Ultimately, they recognize God is in control and that this life is but a comma in light of eternity with Jesus. Ironically, like Josh and Lisa, those who live for eternity, also have the greatest impact on this world.
Let us pray,
Almighty God,
as in this morning prayer we offer you our praise,
grant that in your kingdom,
together with your saints,
we may praise you with even greater joy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
(one) God, for ever and ever.
Amen.