Eighth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.

As Christians, we are all called to holiness. This means being willing to make sacrifices. It means turning our backs on the ways of the world and choosing the Way of Christ. It means deafening ourselves to the falsehoods of the world and listening to the Truth Jesus proclaimed in the Good News. It means dying to our selfish selves and living our lives for the glory of God and the good of others. All our hopes and dreams should find their source, center, and summit in God. All our bodies, minds, and hearts must be transfigured and become more Christ-like. We must make ourselves into true children of God, putting aside our sinful desires and conducting ourselves with faith, hope, and love.

Are our hopes set completely on Jesus Christ? How can we become more obedient to God, our Heavenly Father? What can we do to allow the Holy Spirit to be holy through us?

O Lord, help us to be holy as you are holy.

Amen.