Called to be Holy

October 15, 2007

Memorial of St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church

By Beth DeCristofaro

Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. (Romans 1:5-6)

(Jesus said) “…there is something greater than Jonah here.” (Luke 11:32)

Piety

Lord, grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by You, always follow Your plans, and perfectly accomplish Your Holy Will. Grant that in all things, great and small, today and all the days of my life, I may do whatever You require of me. Help me respond to the slightest prompting of Your Grace, so that I may be Your trustworthy instrument for Your honor. May Your Will be done in time and in eternity -- by me, in me, and through me. Amen.

(St. Theresa of Avila) http://www.viarosa.com/VR/StTeresa/Avila.html

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/101507.shtml

We are called to be holy. We are made by God and inspired by God to be Holy. And, difficult as it is, we can choose. We can choose to heed God’s call or not; we can choose (we know this isn’t easy!) to be holy. And, with God’s help, we can be holy! Yes, we can.

Paul recites his credentials which he makes clear are given to him by God, not by himself or other men. It is through and by God alone by which he – and we - can continue in this choice: Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name… (Rom 1:5). Just as Jonah couldn’t get out of the whale alone, we can’t find God, can’t find holiness alone.

Jonah hid from God and actually chastised God for not fulfilling the word as Jonah had expected. (Sounds a lot like the way I talk to God.) But Jesus used Jonah as an example of someone who overcame his own agenda, followed God and brought sinful people to choose God. Jonah’s effectiveness came not from the delight in doing the task but in pleasing God through the task. It was not Jonah’s agenda and when he surrendered to God’s plan, he succeeded. God succeeded.

Today is the memorial of St. Theresa of Avila who sought to put God first but fought her own nature much of her life. “She found it too easy to slip into a worldly life and ignore God. … Teresa got more involved in flattery, vanity and gossip than spiritual guidance. These weren't great sins perhaps but they kept her from God.

Teresa sympathizes with those who have a difficult time in prayer: "All the trials we endure cannot be compared to these interior battles. ‘…The important thing is not to think much but to love much and so do that which best stirs you to love. Love is not great delight but desire to please God in everything.’ Love is God’s agenda. Love brought Theresa to become a deep spiritual teacher.” http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=208

Action

“If you do something wrong, don't punish yourself -- change.” Theresa of Avila

It has been said that if you do something for 21 days in a row, it becomes a habit. What habit might help you change and live more graciously and joyously according to God’s agenda rather than your own? Not spend for a latte 21 days in a row? Start the day in quiet, non-rushed prayer? Respond with civility and kindness to a friend/colleague/family member who gets on your nerves? Pray for the other “side” in an argument which you feel strongly about.

Be like yesterday’s 10^th leper: thank God joyously for the chance to change and heal.

Oh God, assist me today to be in joy because I belong to you. Help me treat myself and others as precious children of God just as you would treat me. May I spend my day rejoicing in Creation around me and learning a new respect and stewardship for all. Help me not get sucked dry with the details of what I feel must be accomplished. Jesus accomplished all that is necessary. With your help, may I spend my day doing His will rather than my own.