The Call To Holiness

Very recently Pope Francis published an apostolic exhortation, entitled, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE, "Rejoice and be glad." Jesus spoke these words when he warned that persecution and humiliation would be the lot of his followers in return for the true life and happiness for which we were created. Not an easy message, but one based in reality, for indeed if he suffered for the truth, a suffering which led to death but ultimately, resurrection, so too would we.  Stephen the first among thousands of martyrs to come bore witness to this.  They are the models from who we receive encouragement and hope.  They have chosen "the better part" preferring light to darkness, and attaining union with God, which is the holiness to which we are called.  We usually think of holiness as something only for an exclusive few, but the call goes to each one of us, where we are, and who we are.  It is a matter of listening and putting into practice what we hear. Jesus said, "whoever lives the taught comes to the light,." (Jn 3:21).  This is a starting point for a long journey that will lead to God.
Bro .Rene