To become a saint in heaven, we must be baptized (see Mk 16:16), totally commit our lives to Jesus, and have a strong desire to be holy in every aspect of our conduct (1 Pt 1:15). We must strive "for that holiness without which no one can see the Lord" (Heb 12:14). To do this, we must hunger and thirst for righteousness and holiness (Mt 5:6).

We naturally do not have a strong desire to grow in holiness. Therefore, the Lord tries to increase our desire for holiness by commanding us to be holy (1 Pt 1:16) and by warning us that those who are not holy will eventually be hurled "into the fiery furnace where they will wail and grind their teeth" (Mt 13:42). Nevertheless, God's command and warning usually does not make that much of an impression on us. All of us have strong desires to avoid pain, be accepted, and have comfortable, easy lives. However, holiness entails surviving "the great period of trial" (Rv 7:14) and being persecuted, insulted, and slandered because of Jesus (Mt 5:10-11). It's very hard for us to desire to be holy under these conditions. To strongly desire holiness, we need something stronger than commandments, warnings, selfishness, and fears.

"Christ loved the Church. He gave Himself up for her to make her holy" (Eph 5:25-26). Christ loves us into desiring holiness and being holy. Let His love conquer all.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 10, 1999

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 16, 1999