Spiritual Corner - What is Perfect Holiness?

True perfect holiness is the “Law of Love” imprinted in the hearts of just people by the Holy Spirit. It’s what Jesus had repeatedly proclaimed: “deny yourself” and “crucify the inner human nature”. This is what our divine teacher, Jesus, refers to us, “My yoke is light and sweet”; which is also what He always exhorts to us through his teachings and actions. Truly, Christ uses His teachings and actions leading us to the road towards heaven.

Christians need to remind themselves unceasingly: not only to desire holiness, more importantly, to pursue perfect holiness. Christians must fight against all evil inclinations, let reason control all the senses, and uproot all the reckless, self-centered, selfish thoughts and actions. All of these evil inclinations are stumbling blocks in the pursuit of cultivating holiness.

Christians should first recognize their own worst and utmost obvious defects; then take a tireless and non-stop approach, with the attitude of a swift determination, take on this battle of self-growth and improvement. Otherwise, it would be impossible to succeed; because this nonfading crown is only awarded to people who bravely convert themselves.

We always come face to face with many challenges, the most difficult battle is to change ourselves. Most often, we make compromises with ourselves, not knowing that we must change our selfishness and prejudice. In reality, for the best route to achieve perfect holiness, we must renounce all things that would prevent us loving God with all our heart, soul and mind, this kind of total love, total surrender is perfect holiness.

Christians should remake themselves through a renewed mindset, so that they can discern what is God’s will, what is good, what is perfect and what is pleasing to God.

The above is extracted from the “Daily Readings for the Dominican Sisters of the Order of St. Francis’ Rules of Conduct”.

Yours,
Sr. Magdalena Yang