Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

 

“In every age, O Lord, You have been our refuge.” Ps. 90. 1

Suppose someone asked you the question, “Are you holy?” How would you respond to this question? Would you be offended? Would you question them back? Would you offer a half-hearted answer saying that you hoped so? For me, this would be a challenge. I sometimes think of the list of Seven Capital Sins as all too familiar to me. I find it hard to believe I can be holy, and yet that is our first calling. All people are called to be holy. We are called to live lives in union with God’s destiny for us. This single predestination means that all people are invited to the Wedding Banquet of the Lamb. John Calvin preached the belief of double-predestination. This would mean there are certain souls destined to salvation and others to damnation from the beginning, regardless of their own response to God’s love and grace. We do not believe this as Catholic Christians. God invites us to lives of holiness. God saves us through Jesus Christ and guides us in the Holy Spirit. Our response will determine whether we accept the One who saves us or reject Him in Sin. Holiness is what we must repay to God who gave us life to begin with. Amen.

Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB