HOLINESS

Holiness is not something that comes from doing good;
We do because we are Holy.
Holiness is not something we acquire by avoiding evil;
We avoid evil because we are Holy.
Holiness is not something that follows from prayer;
We pray because we are Holy.
Holiness is not the result of Kindness;
We are kind because we are Holy.
Holiness is not something that blossoms when we are courageous;
We are courageous because we are Holy.
Holiness is not the result of character building;
We build character because we are holy.
Holiness is not a gift we obtaing after a lifetime of service;
We give service because we are holy.

Our Holiness is God-with-us: Emmanuel.
And while it is true that holiness carries with it both the Cross and the Ressurection, it is more a gift than a reward.

- Father John Catoir