Holiness
Holiness is a quality that is best acknowledged in the other rather than sought for oneself.
As we read on Easter Day, the hymn writer, John Keble urged us
to start with thinking and seeing holiness, ‘to hallow’ all we find.
Remember we and the whole wide world is God’s creation.
When we ‘hallow’ the person selling The Big Issue our mind is tuned
(imperceptibly) further to the dial of holiness.
Holiness grows in us as we act according to God’s holy law of Love.
Of course, we move towards a godly life.
Richard Foster’s book, A Celebration of Discipline, gives instruction on the 12 classic ways.
It is well worth setting out to discover yourself using these disciplines.
Mind you, the more you do, the more there is.
The Christian search for Holiness is like munching into the Magic Pudding,
it doesn’t diminish or run out no matter how much you eat.
What delights are in store for those who search after holiness and give as much as they take.
Instead, 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.” 1 Peter 1: 15-16
Members in Madagascar regard their sisters suffering with fistulas as holy in God’s eyes.
They embrace those who are outcast and give them skills to regain their self-confidence.
Holy bodies and holy minds fed with Holy Scripture begin to trust God again and trust themselves.
Thanks be to God, hallowed be His name.