Dear friends,

We are called to a life of Holiness.

Holiness as a noun means "the state of being holy." It is "a life of holiness and a total devotion to God" (Definition from the Oxford English Dictionary). Holiness is an essential attribute of God, and it reflects His perfect and unblemished nature. Literally speaking, living a holy life means that the Christian is set apart, reserved to give glory to God. It is a life of discipline, focus, and attention to matters of righteous living.

The call to holiness is not a mere suggestion but a divine command. It is a summon to live in a manner that is set apart, pure, perfect, and righteous, reflecting the character of our Heavenly Father. As Christians, we are called to a life of holiness.

While teaching about Love of enemies, Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall in the just and the unjust. At the end of the text Jesus concluded "So be perfect, just as your Heavenly Father is perfect." (Mathew 5:43-45,48) Being perfect and being Holy, or being pure, mean the same thing. In the letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul has written, "He (God) chose us in Him (Christ) before the foundation of the World, that we should be holy and blameless before Him."(Ephesians 1:4)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, all people of faith are called to live a life of holiness. St. Teresa of Calcutta left us a powerful statement: "Holiness is for every one of us as a simple duty - the acceptance of God with a smile, at all times, anywhere and everywhere."

We have just celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, and this makes August the month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary's Assumption tells us that God's promise is not partial; it is total. It extends to the body, to the fullness of human existence, and to eternal communion with Him. Mary's Assumption is an anticipatory realization of the final resurrection promised to all believers. May the song of Mary be ours: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; My spirit rejoices in God my Savior." (Luke 1:46)

May the Lord who raised the Blessed Virgin Mary body and soul into His heavenly glory teach us through Mary's example the path of fidelity, humility, and total openness to His will. May this month of August be an opportunity for each and all of us to purify our desires, strengthen our hope, and make us ready for the destiny prepared for all of us who belong to Christ. May Mary's Assumption be for us a sign of consolation and a call to a life of holiness. Amen.

Jesus, I trust in you.
Jesus, I trust in you.
Jesus, I trust in you.

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