Reflections for the Second Week of the #Great #Lent; '#Holy'
The second week of the Great Lent, termed as "Holy," beckons us deeper into the heart of spiritual introspection and communion with the Divine.
The Sacred Inception: The Forbearance of Christ
Our Lord Jesus Christ, the epitome of holiness, commenced His salvific mission in the seclusion of Corinth's monastery, embarking upon a fast of forty days and nights. This sacred undertaking, devoid of any earthly sustenance, heralds the depth of divine commitment, symbolizing an unbroken communion with the Father. The Gospel according to Matthew (4:2) narrates this act of profound devotion, reminding us that it is through self-denial and spiritual fortitude that we draw nearer to God.
The Quintessence of Holiness
Holiness, inherently attributed to the Divine, is the immutable nature of God Himself—unchangeable, eternal, and derived from no other. It is this divine attribute that the scriptures laud, beckoning us to sanctify His name in our prayers and deeds. Just as the sanctity of God is innate, so is our call to holiness, extended to all creations: humans, angels, sacred spaces, and consecrated times.
The Holiness of Grace: Our Divine Mandate
The holiness bestowed upon us is one of grace, an invitation to partake in the divine nature. It echoes through the exhortations of Saint Peter: "Be ye holy, for I am holy." This divine summons is not merely an invitation but a directive to embody holiness in every facet of our existence. It speaks of a love that predates creation, a divine preference that chose us for glory and purity, life and sanctity.
Our Existential Purpose and the Call to Holiness
We are fashioned by the Almighty to dwell in His presence, to emulate His purity, and to share in His eternal reign. This divine purpose mandates a life of holiness, devoid of any concord with sin or darkness. As stated in the First Epistle of Peter (1:15), our every act, word, and choice should glorify God, manifesting our devotion through our corporeal existence and moral choices.
Emulating Christ: The Paradigm of Faith
In our pursuit of holiness, let us look to Jesus, the progenitor and perfecter of our faith, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame. Now enthroned in divine majesty, He beckons us to cast aside the yoke of sin and persist in our spiritual race with patience and endurance (Hebrews 12:1).
As we journey through this Lenten season, let us meditate deeply on the essence of holiness, allowing it to permeate our being and guide our path. May our journey through this second week of Lent be a testament to our earnest pursuit of holiness, a beacon of divine light guiding us toward the ultimate joy of resurrection and life in Christ. Amen.
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever, today and always.
May the blessings of the Holy Mother of God, the Virgin, and the Cross be upon us. Amen.
© John's Repentance
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