Seek Holiness 

   “Who must be holy?  Everybody without exception is called to holiness.  But start with yourself.” (Cardinal Frances Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, “The Road of Hope”) 

   I think sometimes we are too concerned with the holiness of others rather than with our own.  It is troubling when we see those who should be leading the flock to their heavenly home leading them astray instead.  But we are not their judge, and they will answer to the Lord for themselves.  So our part is to not judge, not to condemn but to pray for them that they may find peace in the Lord and become the holy people He has called them to be.

   Each of us must make the personal decision to strive for holiness and open our hearts to God and allow Him to make us holy.  We pray for our family and friends to find holiness and salvation in the Lord, and I firmly believe in the power of prayer.  But no one can make the decision for them, they too must decide for themselves. 

   When Gabriel told our Blessed Mother that she was to become the mother of our Savior she responded, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1: 38).  This is the answer we must be prepared to offer if we are to become holy and we must make if we are to become holy before the Lord.

   In the words of the old gospel song: 

“You got to walk that lonesome valley

Well you got to walk it for yourself

Ain’t nobody else can walk it for you

You got to walk that valley for yourself.”

(“You Got to Walk that Lonesome Valley; Lyrics by Mississippi John Hurt)