BE HOLY FOR GOD IS HOLY. (Homily for May 24, 2016. Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time.)


Bible Study:  1 Peter 1, 10 to 16 and Mark 10, 28 to 31.


The word holiness simply means “set apart” or “different.” To be holy is to understand that I do not define myself according to the standards of the world and I do not depend on others for my self-esteem. To be holy means I do not operate according to the world’s definition of success. It means I have Jesus Christ himself as my role model and my biggest dream is to be in heaven.

Holiness does not mean having to fold your hands and close your eyes while walking down the street. Holiness is not having to give others the impression that you just dropped down from heaven when in fact, you do the very opposite when no one is watching you.

Today, St. Peter admonishes us to be holy in these words: “As obedient Children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct…” What does it mean to be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance? It means living as though you are yet to receive the Holy Spirit; as if your body is not a temple that houses God.

Whether we like it or not, it is not easy to be holy. It is not easy to be different. As humans we are social animals, we like to do what others are doing and our definition of right and wrong is always in proportion to what we consider popular. We believe if everybody is doing it, then it must be good for us as well.

Hence, to be holy, there has to be a level of detachment from the world. We just have to break ties with people and sometimes, even our family members. We just have to leave them so that they do not become obstacles in our way to serving God with all our hearts. This is what Jesus is talking about in the Gospel passage. If for instance, our riches and material possessions are the obstacles, we must sell them off and give them to the poor so that we can completely follow Jesus.

Yesterday, we saw how the rich young man walked away from Jesus sorrowful. He lacked detachment. He defined his life according to his wealth and couldn’t afford to let go in other to grow in his spirituality by being a disciple of Jesus. We must be prepared to leave father and mother, houses and cars, children and lands, positions and titles for the sake of following Jesus wholeheartedly.

The reward for holiness is eternal life. However as Jesus says, many who are first will be last and the last first. The journey to heaven is not like Olympic race, it is not by who started first, neither is it according to who runs faster. Everyone has his or her own unique calling. Don’t imitate anyone. Serve God and be different.

Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, may I learn to look up to you and not the world for self-affirmation. Help me to be different and to put you first in all I do. Amen.


Good morning. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. 

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