The Audacity of Holiness

Do you know a holy person? I’m not talking about piety — that’s important, too, in its own way. But right now, I’m speaking of holiness.

St. Therese of Lisieux called holiness “a disposition of the heart that makes us humble and little in the arms of God, aware of our weakness, and confident — in the most audacious way — in His Fatherly goodness.”

The holy person sees a storm on the horizon of life, and rather than give themselves over to fear and despair (natural and understandable reactions), regards the gathering winds as an opportunity to rely more fully on God. The holy person takes a bad situation and sanctifies it with charity and understanding that defies our fallen human nature.

Peter’s mother-in-law was still in the throes of a fever when Jesus grasped her hand. It wasn’t until she took his hand and allowed him to help her up that “the fever left her and she waited on them.” Before the fever could leave her, she had to commit to holiness — to put her trust in him in a most audacious way. She had to find it within herself to lift her weakened hand to grasp his — and as soon as she did, she was rewarded. Her bodily health restored, she gave thanks, and attended to his needs.

God’s hand is always outstretched to us. Will we take it, even if the fever of sin and pride and worldly concerns rages in our souls? Will we muster the strength? Will we be audacious enough to have confidence in His Fatherly goodness?

— Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS