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Introduction: A Modern Mistake
In a world obsessed with political correctness, superficial morality, and Instagrammable virtues, many have reduced holiness to a mere code of conduct. People assume that being holy means being a “good person,” following social norms, or maintaining flawless ethics. But here’s the problem: holiness is not ethics.
Ethics is human; holiness is divine. Ethics is based on rules; holiness is rooted in Grace. Ethics can be achieved through discipline; holiness requires supernatural transformation.
In this article, we will explore why confusing holiness with mere morality is a grave mistake, how the greatest saints broke the ethical norms of their time, and why—now more than ever—we need to rediscover the true face of holiness.
1. Holiness in the Bible: Scandalous and Radical
The Saints Who Shocked the World
If we examine Scripture, we find that saints did not always act in ways that were “correct” by human standards:
- David danced half-naked before the Ark of the Covenant (2 Sam 6:14), scandalizing his wife Michal, who preferred a more “decent” form of worship.
- John the Baptist lived as an ascetic in the desert, eating locusts and wearing camel’s hair (Mt 3:4)—something many today would call extreme.
- Jesus Himself broke the Sabbath, ate with sinners, and allowed a prostitute to anoint His feet (Lk 7:36-50).
Were these actions “ethical”? According to the Pharisees, no. But they were holy, because they flowed from a radical love for God.
The Difference Between Morality and Holiness
Morality asks: “Is this allowed?”
Holiness asks: “Does this bring me closer to God?”
A Pharisee meticulously followed the law, yet his heart was far from God (Mt 15:8). Meanwhile, the Good Thief, a criminal, was sanctified in his final moments because he surrendered to divine mercy (Lk 23:42-43).
2. Holiness in Church History: Beyond Rules
The Saints Who Defied Convention
- St. Francis of Assisi abandoned his wealth and embraced extreme poverty—something even his companions considered excessive.
- St. Teresa of Ávila, a woman in a male-dominated era, reformed Carmelite spirituality, challenging Church structures.
- St. Philip Neri used humor and jokes to evangelize, something many deemed irreverent.
These saints did not follow a rulebook of politeness; they followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit, even if it made them seem strange to the world.
The Danger of Reducing Holiness to “Being Nice”
Today, many think holiness means:
- Not swearing.
- Going to Mass on Sundays.
- Being “kind” to everyone.
But that’s just an empty shell. True holiness hurts, because it demands dying to sin, embracing the Cross, and living in contradiction to the world (Jn 15:19).
3. Holiness in Today’s World: Virtue or Performance?
The Trap of “Light Catholicism”
We live in an age where:
- A feel-good God is preached, who only wants you to “be happy.”
- Tolerance is confused with truth.
- A comfortable spirituality is sought, without sacrifice.
But holiness requires renunciation, spiritual battle, and sometimes unpopularity.
Modern Examples of Misunderstood Holiness
- Mother Teresa was criticized for not focusing on “systemic solutions” but instead loving the poor one by one.
- St. John Paul II defied the world by defending life and family in an era of sexual revolution.
These saints were not applauded by all. They were a sign of contradiction (Lk 2:34).
4. How to Live True Holiness Today?
Three Keys to Avoid “False Ethics”
- Seek Grace, Not Approval
Holiness is not measured by likes but by fidelity to God. - Embrace the Cross
Without sacrifice, there is no holiness. The easy path does not lead to Heaven. - Let the Holy Spirit Transform You
We are not called to be “good,” but holy (1 Pet 1:16).
A Call to Boldness
God does not need more proper people. He needs saints who live with apostolic fire, who love without calculation, and who are unafraid to be different.
Conclusion: Holiness is Revolutionary
Holiness is not a set of rules. It is a madness of love. It is not about being perfect but being transformed by God.
If you want to be holy, brace yourself: the world will not understand you. But in the end, only one thing matters:
“The one who perseveres to the end will be saved” (Mt 10:22).
Are you ready to live a holiness that breaks the mold?
