Frank’s Note

Pope Francis has recently published Gaudete et Exsultate, an Apostolic Exhortation on the call to holiness in today’s world. He refers us to that “great cloud of witnesses” mentioned in Hebrews 11, and also “the saints next door.” “The important thing is that each believer discern his or her own path, that they bring out the very best of themselves, the most personal gifts the Lord has placed in their hearts.” (Gaudete et Exsultate, 11). “Let everything be open to God; turn to Him in every situation…. holiness, in the end, is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your Life.” (Id., 15). Jesus explained holiness when He listed the Beatitudes. We can embrace what St. Ignatius of Loyola called “holy indifference,” remembering that in Luke’s Gospel Jesus does not speak of poverty of spirit but simply of those who are poor. Jesus invites us to live a plain and austere life.

Personally, I am challenged by the call to meekness: “Blessed are the meek…” (Mt. 5:5); “Behold your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey.” (Mt. 21:5).

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On a different note, I wanted to mention that in our community morning prayer here at Big Woods Mission, we regularly pray for Purity, Chastity, and Modesty. Freedom from sexual sin must be a goal of every Christian called to holiness, of every Evangelist and Missionary – we must give a witness of sexual purity as we go about in the Lord’s service. See Theology of the Body by St. John Paul II.