As I reread what I wrote in the last issue of the Bulletin, I realized that what I was saying in so many different ways is that the call to holiness is a call to allow ourselves to be amazed, in a real and true way, at the miracle of creation. To be called to holiness means to allow oneself to stand in awe before the work of our God. If we really take time to consider in depth our universe, which includes ourselves, we cannot help but to be deeply moved and truly amazed.

As we look around our world, we will find that, at each turn, we must be astonished at the design, complexity and beauty of God’s creation. If we look closely at creation, we cannot help but to also be astounded. In spite of mankind’s creative abilities, what humans create is not even one-trillionth as magnificent and awe-inspiring as the universe our God has created and keeps in existence. I find it very difficult, when I look at creation, not to be truly awe-struck. And then when you know just a little about our universe, you cannot help but to be captivated and enthralled.

So the call to holiness is the call to be truly child-like in our experience of God’s creation. To stand in awe at the world that we live in, is truly one of the ways that we can become aware of God.

So the call to holiness is a call to become ever more aware of God and His true and real presence in our world and in our lives. It is a call to have God ever gentle on our minds as an old folk song goes. People who have achieved greater holiness are people who have achieved greater awareness of God imminent presence in our world and lives. This type of awareness indeed changes our experience of life and indeed empowers us to live in the way that Jesus lived. He was acutely aware of God in His life and world.

Why would a person want to live like this? This way of living brings a certain amount of contentment. Why? Because it helps us understand the meaning and purpose of life. It brings us peace. It brings us hope! It allows us to truly enjoy life!