3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C, Sunday 5th May 2019
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Within the framework of Holiness offered by the Beatitudes (Matthew 25:31-46) I would like to mention a few signs or spiritual attitudes that, in my opinion, are necessary if we are to understand the way of life to which the Lord calls us.
I will not pause to explain the means of sanctification already know to us: the various methods of prayer, and the inestimable sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation; the offering of personal sacrifices, different forms of devotion, spiritual direction, and many others as well. Here I will speak of certain aspect of the call to Holiness that I hope will prove especially meaningful.
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The signs I wish to highlight are not the sum total of a model of Holiness but are five expressions of love for God and neighbour that I consider of particular importance in the light of certain dangers and limitations present in today’s culture.
There we see a sense of anxiety sometimes violent, that distracts and debilitates; negativity and sullenness; the self-content bred by consumerism and individualism and all those forms of spirituality having nothing to do with God– that dominate the current religious market place.
Signs of holiness in today’s world;
1. Perseverance, patience and meekness
2. Joy and sense of humour
3. Boldness and passion
4. In community
5. In constant prayer
N.B. We will consider each of these signs of Holiness in the coming weeks.
Fr Ray Armstrong CM