HOLINESS

Holiness is intrinsically linked to divine power and the sacred purity of one’s character. It represents an authentic state of being, untainted by external or material corruption.

In everyday expressions of holiness, people often adhere to certain traditions and societal expectations. For instance, when meeting a VIP, individuals typically dress formally and behave with heightened decorum even if their usual conduct is far from virtuous. Some may live in sin, engaging in wrongdoing daily, yet they present their ‘ best self’ for that single encounter.

Similarly, a person of modest means might stretch their finances to appear impressive, despite the strain it causes.

Conventional VIPs often expect flattery, praise, and gestures of esteem to feed their ego and sense of importance. Yet once the meeting ends, people return to their ordinary lives, their display of reverence forgotten.

But there is another kind of VIP, one who invites people to come as they are, without pretense. This figure does not seek flattery or grand gestures; instead, they value honesty and authenticity.

While the first VIP encourages people to fabricate a false image, the second reminds them that truth, however humble, is far more valuable.

True holiness, then, is not about lavish displays or empty praises, it is about sincerity, even in poverty. It is the holiness embodied by Pope Francis, who welcomes all with humility and calls us to be our genuine selves before the divine.