Holiness is, quite simply, realizing that one's happiness is found ONLY in God.
This is going to be shocking to some people, but contrary to the popular philosophy of this age, God is NOT interested in our happiness on earth.
Is it nice if we are happy?
Certainly!
Does it please God if we go about seeking happiness legitimately and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life?
Certainly! The entire Bible is FILLED with such examples!
However, it is important to understand that our happiness and comfort on earth is NOT why Jesus died for us. He did not die to save us from earthly suffering.
Jesus suffered horribly and died for each and every one of us, personally, not so that we could sin in comfort, but so that we would choose to carry our own crosses of sorrow and suffering, unite ourselves to Him and understand that our life on earth is to prepare us for eternal life.
The only thing God cares about, the only reason Jesus ransomed us, was to sanctify us and call us to the path of holiness by cooperating with His Grace so that we can be happy in eternity.
Do you understand?
I'll say it again: God is not calling us to be happy in this world! He is calling us to become HOLY so that we can find happiness in HIM for eternity.
That is all.
2 comments:
There are a LOT of people I could send this post to. A LOT!
I wish I had read this post before I just went out. I had dinner with an old friend, as part of my "so long tour" before novitiate, and let's just say he's living the very Augustinian pre-conversion life, seeking fulfillment in the external things, so to speak. And we were discussing really just what you're getting at here, and I don't know why I never brought up the vocation to holiness. Not that it would have convinced him, but it would have been a fine seed to plant. Alas, now I can but pray and hope the seed is planted by another :)
Great post!
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