What does it really mean to be holy? On this Second Sunday of Lent, we dive deep into God's explicit call for our sanctification. Drawing from St. Paul's letter to the Thessalonians—"For this is the will of God, your sanctification"—we explore how holiness isn't about extraordinary spiritual manifestations but rather conforming ourselves to Christ.
The journey to sanctification remains one of Catholicism's most profound and misunderstood teachings. Unlike the "once saved, always saved" doctrine, we recognize that becoming holy requires our active, daily participation through prayer, sacraments, battling sinful tendencies, and performing good works. As Padre Pio reminds us, "Let us become saints. That way, after our life together on earth, we will remain united forever in paradise."
We also examine the often-overlooked truth about heaven's hierarchy. The more we conform ourselves to Christ during our earthly life, the higher our place will be eternally. This understanding transforms our spiritual practices from mere religious obligations into purposeful steps toward our ultimate destiny. Through practical Lenten resolutions—arriving early for Mass, turning to prayer during temptations, and practicing modesty of the eyes—we can begin this transformation today. The best way to lead loved ones to heaven is through our own example of sanctification. Receive the sacraments frequently and remember Elizabeth of the Trinity's wisdom: "A soul who lives in union with God does nothing that is not supernatural."
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Christ is risen! The glorious transformation we've been preparing for through forty days of Lenten sacrifice has arrived, but what happens to our spiritual journey now?
This meditation explores the profound significance of Eastertide—not merely as the end of Lenten disciplines but as the beginning of a new way of living. From the triumphant moment when "light has triumphed over darkness," we are called to understand that Easter isn't about abandoning our spiritual progress, but redirecting it toward a fuller expression of our life in Christ.
As St. Paul reminds us, being "risen with Christ" means elevating our desires toward heaven while detaching from mere earthly satisfactions. For newly baptized Catholics, this season marks their first days in the faith, while for all believers, it offers a time to balance joyful celebration with continued spiritual growth. The Easter octave specifically highlights this transition as we learn to live out the new life received in baptism.
The meditation offers ...
The sacred stillness of Holy Saturday holds a unique place in our spiritual journey - that profound pause between the Crucifixion and Resurrection, where we are invited to contemplate the mystery of Christ's rest in the tomb. Through ancient liturgical texts and thoughtful meditation, we explore this day not as empty waiting, but as fertile ground where the seed of Resurrection quietly germinates.
"Today I am plunged in anguish, but tomorrow I will break my bonds." This powerful antiphon sets the tone for our reflection on what appears as defeat but secretly harbors victory. We join Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus at the hasty burial of Jesus before walking through the profound symbolism of the Easter Vigil ceremonies—the blessing of new fire, the lighting of the Paschal candle representing Christ risen, and the gradual illumination of darkness as this light spreads throughout the congregation.
The beautiful paradox of Holy Saturday emerges as we contemplate both loss and anticipation. "The ...
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A good (long) read by Fr. Z.
The following is a good point to keep in mind:
“ Allow me to go back to my food analogy for liturgy. This might seem a little insulting but it is just intended to make a point about the continuum we are on.
In 99% of a man’s day and activities, it is beneath his dignity to scrunch up his face and make airplane noises while moving a spoon around with his hand. People would think he was nuts. OR… if he is sitting in front of the high-chair of his little son, who can only eat goop and must sometimes be convinced to eat it, then that man is not doing anything beneath his dignity. On the contrary, he is performing a sacrificial act of love for his child. He sacrifices his dignity – becoming more dignified yet – for the sake of his boy’s eating something that will help him to grow out of the need to eat that sort of thing in that sort of way. He helps his boy move up the food and eating continuum to more complicated foods eaten in a more human way....
