Growing in holiness...

"Who may go up the mountain of the Lord? Who can stand in his holy place?

The clean of hand and pure of heart, who has not given his soul to useless things,

what is vain." (Ps 24: 3-4)

I've had the privilege of knowing some wonderful people. One in particular stands out today, on the feast of All Saints.

He was a humble man who loved God, and gave his best effort to knowing and serving Him. My friend had a heart for people... in his company you felt loved, respected and cherished; time spent with you was valuable, and you had his undivided attention. He was intelligent, an avid reader, and yet, he eagerly sought your opinion during discussions. He especially loved children, and would seek out their prayers- he believed the prayers of children were pure and honest; that they had a direct line to God's ear...

We are all called to grow in holiness... and small bites of this elephant are necessary. Small bites at a time of reading and rereading Scripture, meditating on the meaning and application; bigger bites of attending Church, of being truly present and withdrawing from the distractions of life; bites of honest reflection on our relationships and goals, of the things that are important to us; bites of constantly assessing the state of our hands and heart... are they clean and sinless?

Are we missing opportunities to ascend the mountain to commune with God; to stand in His holy presence, on holy ground, to hear what the Lord has to say?

If we are constantly bombarded by the attractions and lure of the world; often desiring "what is vain", giving our souls to useless things; self- focused and anxious... we are going to miss the glimpses of glory God offers. And the glimpses of His glory are there...

- when we witness the clean up and rebuilding efforts after a hurricane,

- hear the mother thankful that her breast cancer was detected and treated early;

- observe loved ones celebrate the life of a deceased family member;

- cheer the children caring for their elderly, frail mother or father;

- when we encourage the parent struggling to console a crying child in church, acutely aware of the disapproving glares from others;

- when hearts break for the teen agonizing over the right decision for an unplanned pregnancy

- or we pray for a child floundering, battling to find his place in the world...

When we neglect to give God first place in our lives, our senses are dampened to the "holy ground" places and spaces; we miss opportunities for meaningful encounters with the people God sends our way; those who can be conduits for God's love and mercy; those who can help us grow in holiness...