Holiness in Everyday Life

Summary of Apostolic exhortation 

In his apostolic exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad), Pope Francis offers profound yet practical guidance on living holiness in everyday life (19^th March 2018). He redefines holiness as an attainable and deeply personal journey, accessible to everyone—not just clergy or religious, but to all the faithful. His exhortation resonates strongly with the call to be both human and holy, blending divine grace with the ordinary moments of life.

Key Themes from Gaudete et Exsultate

1. The Universal Call to Holiness

Pope Francis affirms that holiness is not confined to the extraordinary. He writes:
“To be holy does not require being a bishop, a priest or a religious. We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves.” This teaching emphasizes that holiness flourishes in the realities of daily life—at work, in relationships, and in small acts of kindness. It is about striving to reflect God’s love in the ordinary.

2. Holiness in Small Gestures

The Pope highlights that holiness is often lived out in simplicity:
“Holiness grows through small gestures.”. For example, patiently listening to a child, offering a kind word to someone in need, or remaining calm in the face of challenges are ways to grow in holiness. Such acts, though seemingly minor, contribute to a life steeped in grace.

3. The Beatitudes as a Blueprint for Holiness

Pope Francis frames the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) as the ultimate guide for living a holy life. He writes: “The Beatitudes are like a Christian’s identity card. So, if anyone asks: ‘What must one do to be a good Christian?’ the answer is clear. We have to do, each in our own way, what Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount.”
The Beatitudes call for humility, mercy, purity of heart, and a thirst for justice—all of which reflect a life that integrates humanity and holiness.

4. The Holiness of Perseverance

A key takeaway from Gaudete et Exsultate is that holiness is not about perfection but about perseverance: “Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality, or joy. On the contrary, you will become what the Father had in mind when he created you.” Francis encourages the faithful to trust in God’s grace, especially in the face of life’s struggles, and to persevere in their commitment to live a holy life.

5. Combatting Contemporary Obstacles to Holiness

Pope Francis identifies modern challenges that hinder holiness, including:

• Individualism: Overemphasis on personal success can obscure our call to serve others.
• Consumerism: Material pursuits can distract from spiritual growth.
• Spiritual Mediocrity: A lack of intentionality in faith can lead to complacency.

To counter these, he calls for a life of simplicity, solidarity, and a deeper connection with God and others.

Practical Reflections from Pope Francis

 

1. Find God in the Ordinary

Pope Francis invites us to recognize that holiness is present in the mundane. He writes:
“We need a spirit of holiness capable of filling both our solitude and our service, our personal life and our evangelizing efforts, so that every moment can be a channel of grace.” Whether washing dishes, consoling a friend, or leading a ministry, every task becomes an opportunity for holiness.

2. Joyful Witness

Francis emphasizes the role of joy in holiness, asserting that “a Christian cannot think of his or her mission on earth without seeing it as a path of holiness.” He calls on believers to radiate joy, which is a hallmark of a life aligned with God.

3. Holiness in Relationships

Holiness is deeply relational. Acts of love and forgiveness in families, communities, and workplaces embody God’s presence in human interactions. Pope Francis encourages fostering a culture of encounter, where dialogue and understanding flourish.

 

Living Holiness as Religious Professionals

For religious professionals, Pope Francis’ exhortation is particularly meaningful. It serves as a reminder that their daily ministry, when approached with love and humility, is a path to holiness. By practicing patience, compassion, and authenticity, they reflect Christ’s example in every encounter. Holiness in everyday life does not mean doing more but doing everything with greater love and purpose. This perspective not only enriches their spiritual lives but also inspires those they serve.

Compiled and Edited: Fr. Joel George 

 

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