Christian Holiness

From the Catechism

God's Three Steps (2012-2013)

Paul explains the three steps of God's plan: "Those whom he predestined, he also called; those whom he called, he also justified; those whom he justified, he also glorified" (Rom 8:28-30).

All Christians are called to this perfection of charity. "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Mt 5:48). "In order to reach this perfection the faithful should use the strength given them by Christ's gift. Thus the holiness of the People of God will grow in fruitful abundance" (Second Vatican Council).

Mystical Union (2014-2015)

Spiritual progress which leads to union with God is called mystical. God calls all to this intimate union. Some receive extraordinary mystical signs which manifest the gift which is given to all.

Holiness comes only by the way of the cross. Progress comes through discipline and mortification(dying to self) which lead to peace and joy. "He who climbs never stops going from beginning to beginning, through beginnings that have no end" (St. Gregory of Nyssa).

Final Perseverance (2016)

The Church's children rightly hope for the grace of final perseverance and recompense from God (Council of Trent). Believers share in the "blessed hope" that they will be gathered into "the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven" (Rev 21:2).