Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

Read

Reflect

There is much talk about holiness in the Church today. Most of the talk focuses on what we do and what we choose not to do. That is certainly important. Jesus always talked about holiness with regard to how we act. The prophets continually reminded the Jews of their need for holiness. So it is essential that as we grow our actions become more holy. I see a danger, though. The danger is to forget that kindness, love, humility, and grace are just as much a part of holiness as anything else we refrain from doing.

The Pharisees did so many things right according to the law. In fact, they were holy in a sense, but Jesus’ greatest critique was they had no love or humility. Unless our righteousness exceeds the Pharisees, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20). So let us be mindful of Jesus’s warning. Holiness is more than what we refrain from doing. It also includes love and humility.

Pray

Lord, thank you for grace. Remind me that as I pursue holiness, my heart should also be enlarged. Amen

Go with God.