Sanctus!
Essays on sanctification
Jesus’ sanctity lies not in being set apart from the world, but in being set apart from the distinction between the sacred and the secular. The author of Hebrews proclaims Him the new high priest, who has entered into the Most Holy Place “once for all” (9:12) by means of His own blood, which will “purify our consciences from acts that lead to death,” or “from useless rituals” (9:14). A certain double meaning is probably intended here...
Like a lot of people throughout Western culture, I used to think that struggle, frustration, confusion, and failure were a sign that something was wrong. In my schooling, as in my spiritual life, I’ve always been attracted to the easiest way of doing things. Consequently, whenever I found myself involved in protracted struggle, I assumed something was wrong with me...
As a child, I enjoyed reading stories of saints. I was particularly impressed with St. Therese of Lisieux, (d. 1897) also known as “the Little Flower.” Her way was the “little way” of making small sacrifices and offering up the small hurts, trials and insults of life which allow us almost constant opportunities to grow in sanctification! Nearly a hundred years after her death was the death of Mother Theresa of Calcutta (d. 1997). Mother Theresa, who will be declared a saint this September by Pope Francis, also found her way in simply “doing small things with great love.” Catholics and non-Catholics alike were drawn to these women who lived out their faith simply, but heroically and without compromise...
