“…all Christ’s faithful, whatever be the conditions, duties and circumstances of their lives — and indeed through all these, will daily increase in holiness, if they receive all things with faith from the hand of their heavenly Father and if they
cooperate with the divine will.”

— Lumen Gentium (#41)

In the Second Vatican Council document “Lumen Gentium,” the faithful of Christ are called to “strive for the holiness and perfection of their own proper state.” The area of respect life provides countless opportunities to grow in holiness, as we seek to affirm the dignity of every person, particularly the vulnerable.

We may feel called to support pregnant moms in need, minister to those who have experienced abortion, visit with elderly residents, assist people with special needs, or volunteer at a soup kitchen, to name just a few ways of serving.

Sometimes the opportunities to serve others and to grow in holiness are not chosen but come to visit us instead. A woman experiencing an unexpected pregnancy has the opportunity to grow in holiness by choosing life for her baby.

Parents receiving a diagnosis of a genetic condition for their unborn or newborn baby, or for an illness or disability later in childhood, will find new opportunities to grow in holiness, as they travel the road of parenting a child with special needs.

Caring for aging parents or for a spouse experiencing an illness or disability are other circumstances in which we might find ourselves serving others in ways we did not seek or anticipate.

We ourselves may someday experience a change in health or ability and find ourselves on the receiving end of assistance. Even our limited condition can be used as an opportunity to grow in holiness.

Perhaps we are unable to get out and about as we have in the past and have more time to pray for others. Depending on our abilities, we might be able to assist in prolife or charitable work from home. And of course, we can offer up our limitations and suffering to Christ, which can spiritually benefit others as well.

Individuals we serve can also be examples of holiness to us. A young lady with Down syndrome I know starts each day reading from the New Testament and other spiritual devotions. Kneeling after receiving Holy Communion, she is a witness to others as she devoutly prays aloud softly. Her love for Jesus is expressed through her art and written reflections, and she has no hesitance in expressing that love for Him to others. We can absolutely learn about holiness from those we serve.

In an article titled “What is Holiness?” on the Catholic Insight website, the author Carl Sundell sums up a path to holiness succinctly:

“Humbly expressing to God the praise we have for Him is the first act of holiness. Wanting to please God is the second act of holiness. Actually pleasing God is the third act of holiness.”

Whether we are the ones doing the serving or the ones being served, we can bring our efforts to prayer and offer them to God at Mass. We can also express our gratitude to God for allowing us the privilege of serving others in their time of need.

The focus here has been on challenges and how they can be opportunities to grow in holiness. But we must not forget that among these challenges, there is also joy!