30 THE CALL TO HOLINESS IN EVERYDAY LIFE

❇️ WHAT IS IT?

The Call to Holiness in everyday life is a profound invitation from God to all believers to strive for spiritual perfection and union with Him.

It entails living according to Divine precepts, embracing virtues, and aligning one’s life with God’s Will as taught by the Catholic Church.

🌀 HISTORY & IMPORTANCE

The history of holiness traces back to the earliest teachings of the Church, emphasizing the universal call to holiness for all baptized Christians.

This call is deeply relevant today as it guides individuals in…
… navigating moral dilemmas
… making virtuous choices
… and growing in spiritual maturity.

📖 Biblical Basis:

✴️ Leviticus 19:1-2: “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy!”

✴️ Matthew 5:48 – “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

✴️ 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “But as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'”

📜 LEARN FROM SAINTS & CHURCH TEACHINGS

Throughout history, many great saints have exemplified extraordinary holiness in ordinary life circumstances.

Their examples inspire and guide us in our journey towards holiness.
The teachings of the Catholic Church, as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), Canon Law, and papal encyclicals…
… provide a solid foundation for understanding and practicing holiness.

💡 Teachings from CCC, Canon Law, Papal Teachings, Vatican Council Documents:

🔸 CCC 2013: “All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity.”

🔸 Canon Law 210: “All the Christian faithful must direct their efforts to lead a holy life and to promote the growth of the Church.”

🔸 Pope Benedict XVI: “Holiness is not the privilege of a few, but the vocation of all.”

💬 Quotes from Saints:

🔆 St. Augustine: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

🔆 St. Teresa of Avila: “The closer one approaches to God, the simpler one becomes.”

🔆 Pope St. John Paul II: “Do not be afraid to be saints. Follow Jesus Christ who is the source of freedom and light!”

🔆 St. Francis de Sales: “Be who you are and be that well to give honor to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork you are. Live joyously among your occupations.

“Perfection does not lie in avoiding
the world, but in not clinging to it!”
“No matter where we are we must aspire to a perfect life.”

.🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔹 Deeper Communion with the Lord: Holiness is the path to deeper communion with God, transforming individuals and communities.

🔹 Being a Gospel Witness: It is a witness to Gospel values and a source of strength in facing life’s challenges.

🔹 Fulfilling our vocation: Holiness allows us to fulfill our vocation and purpose in God’s plan for salvation.

🔥 Modern challenges to holiness and solutions

♦️ Secularism: Deepen understanding of Church teachings, actively participate in parish life, and engage in evangelization efforts.

♦️ Moral Relativism: Study moral theology, form conscience according to Church teachings, and engage in dialogue to defend objective truth.

♦️ Consumerism: Practice simplicity, stewardship, and generosity, supporting ethical and sustainable practices.

♦️ Technology Distraction: Establish tech-free zones for prayer and reflection, limit screen time, and prioritize spiritual activities.

♦️ Individualism: Foster community and solidarity through active participation in charitable works and parish activities.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR HOLINESS:

💠 Daily Personal Prayer: Set aside time for prayer, including thanksgiving, petition, intercession, and contemplation.

💠 Reading of the Bible: Regularly read and meditate on Scripture, allowing God’s Word to guide and inspire your life.

💠 Regular Sacramental Life: Receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist frequently for spiritual nourishment and grace.

💠 Practice of Virtues: Cultivate virtues such as charity, humility, chastity, patience, and obedience in daily life interactions.

💠 Eucharistic Adoration: Spend time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, deepening your love and reverence for Christ.

💠 Spiritual Reading: Engage in reading spiritual classics, lives of saints, and writings of Church Fathers for spiritual growth and insight.

💠 Frequent Examination of Conscience: Reflect daily on your thoughts, words, and actions, seeking repentance and conversion as needed.

💠 Service to Others: Practice works of mercy and charity, reaching out to those in need with compassion and love.

💠 Community Involvement: Participate actively in parish activities, prayer groups, and charitable initiatives, fostering a sense of belonging and support in the Church community.

💠 Seeking Spiritual Direction: Regularly consult with a spiritual director or advisor for guidance and discernment in your spiritual journey.

The Call to Holiness in everyday life is not an abstract ideal but a lived reality attainable for every believer.

By embracing this call, we deepen our relationship with our Lord, contribute to building a more just and compassionate society…
… and become beacons of light in a world in need of hope and love.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
Bengaluru, India
📧 reflectioncapsules@gmail.com