I Want to Be Holy

Heavenly Father, aid Thy child, who longs to become holy!

But then, I must be patient under humiliation, let myself be forgotten, and be even pleased at feeling myself set aside.

Never mind! I am resolved; I wish to be holy!

But I must never excuse myself, never be impatient, never out of temper.

Never mind! I am resolved; I wish to be holy!

Then I must continually be doing violence to my feelings,—submitting my will always to that of my superiors, never contentious, never sulky, finishing every work begun, in spite of dislike or ennui.

Never mind! I am resolved; I wish to be holy!

But then, I must be always charitable towards all around me; loving them, helping them to the utmost of my power, although it may cause me trouble.

Never mind! I am resolved; I wish to be holy!

But I must constantly strive against the cowardice, sloth, and pride of my nature, renouncing the world, the vanity that pleases, the sensuality that rejoices me, the antipathy that makes me avoid those I do not like.

Never mind! I am resolved; I still wish to be holy!

Then, I shall have to experience long hours of weariness, sadness, and discontent. I shall often feel lonely and discouraged.

Never mind! I am resolved; I wish to be holy! for then I shall have Thee always with me, ever near me. Lord, help me, for I want to be holy!

How to Become Holy

Oh! it is quite easy, if I fulfil every duty to the best of my ability; and many who had no more to do than I have become saints.

One day is the same as another. Prayer, worldly business, calls to be devout, charitable, and faithful,—these are the duties that each hour brings in its turn; and if I am faithful in their fulfilment, God will be always ready to help me, and then what signifies a little ennui, pain, or misfortune?

The Sanctification of Daily Duties

I will perform them as in God's sight, conscious that He is present, and smiling on my efforts.

I will perform each as if I had but one to accomplish, striving to render it as perfect as possible.

I will fulfil each duty as if upon that one alone depended my salvation.

Motives for Sanctifying My Actions

God expects me to honor Him by that action.

God has attached a special blessing to that action, and awaits its fulfilment to bestow it.

God notes each action; and of them all hereafter I must give an account.

God will see that I love Him, if I strive to fulfil every duty, in spite of weariness and trouble.

I honor God by this action; and I, poor, weak, sinful child, am allowed to glorify Him, in place of those who blaspheme and rebel against the Divine will.