Growing In Holiness

Once we can begin to see ourselves as God see's us, with all our gifts and talents along with all our shortcomings, both God-given and man-made, we can begin the process of wholeness.

It may start out as an instantaneous illumination, where we see ourselves briefly as God sees us. This will bring euphoria and dread. Euphoria because we recognize the call and dread because we know we will have to change. The process is started, we've chosen to grow. How hard could it be, really? Tweak a little here, do a little more or less there, attend Mass and the Sacraments a little more regularly and all is well. And it is ....for a while....then the temptations come.

Our natural inclination is to become discouraged. This is obviously too hard because we can't even sustain it for a whole day!!!

It is at this point, we must remember to Thank God….because we would not be experiencing temptation if we were not on the right path.

A little oxymoron I know; but it is truly how it works, as satan has no need to tempt us as long as we are not growing in the image and likeness of Jesus. But once the decision is made to grow...we become fair game.

Have no fear, by virtue of our Baptism, satan has no power over us. He is persistent as he wants all of us to think/believe there is NO God!!!

We might even experience doubt as to whether or not we "truly" believe. Or we might have thoughts that religion is "man-made". Or the best one yet....this is stupid, I don't need to do this....I am a nice person.

His only goal is to stop us from growing in the Knowledge of the Truth, not only about God but about ourselves as well.

If we stop now, satan has easily won, if we keep going/growing we must expect temptations.

He is cunning and a master manipulator. He knows our most vulnerable areas and will exploit them at the most opportune time.

Although we know, even expect this; it always catches us by surprise. Our motto should become; Always be prepared. We grow in the grace of preparedness by frequently receiving the Sacraments and the power of prayer.

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