The Second Vatican Council makes it clear that there is a "universal call to holiness". We sometimes think that this call is impersonal or reserved for the saints, those who have religious vocations, or our very holy grandmothers. Taking some inspiration from Pope Francis and some of the saints, we unpack this idea of holiness for each of us and how God intentionally built His church to help us succeed in being holy men and women.
Our icebreaker question: What is your favourite apparition or title for Mother Mary?
Emi: Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of the Smile
Rachel: Our Lady, Undoer of Knots
Quotes from the episode to ponder further:
- From Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate ('Rejoice and Be Glad') - On the Call to Holiness in Today's World kicked off our conversation: "In the Church, holy yet made up of sinners, you will find everything you need to grow towards holiness. The Lord has bestowed on the Church the gifts of scripture, the sacraments, holy places, living communities, the witness of the saints and a multifaceted beauty that proceeds from God’s love, “like a bride bedecked with jewels” (Is 61:10)." (Chapter 1, no. 15)
- From Blessed Luigi Tezza (1841-1923): "God's invitation to become saints is for all, not just a few. Sanctity therefore must be accessible to all. In what does it consist? In a lot of activity? No. In doing extraordinary things? No, this could not be for everybody and at all times. Therefore, sanctity consists in doing good, and in doing this "good" in whatever condition and place God has placed us. Nothing more, nothing outside of this."
- From St. Mother Teresa: "Wash the plate not because it is dirty nor because you are told to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next."
- From Esther 4:14: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
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Our theme music is "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more at scottbuckley.com.au.
