Holiness does not consist in never having erred or sinned. Holiness increases the capacity for conversion, for repentance, for willingness to start again and, especially, for reconciliation and forgiveness.

Benedict XVI

Holiness is not so much our work in the garden of the Lord, but God’s work in us as living members of the body of Christ. It is His work in us that produces holiness. Holiness consists in our fidelity to the truth and to our cooperation with his grace and mercy.

Benedict was right, holiness does not consist in having never sinned of erred, but it does consist in our commitment to return always to the Lord, in turning toward Him in every event and circumstance of life. Holiness is faithfulness in the good times and the bad. It is being faithful even while we are still sinners.  Faithfulness in remaining always at the foot of so great a tree. Remaining close to the shade of the almighty.

Holiness is a life lived and directed always toward God, toward goodness, love and truth. A life well lived is not always perfect, but rather is a life being perfected. Life is messy and for the bramble life is often hard. The desert of the spiritual life is real, but brambles tend to thrive in the dry desert, though life there is not easy. For the bramble, holiness consists in being what it is, in drought, reaching deep with its roots for water. In the scorching sun, protecting itself with its thick skin and rough bark. In the cold and wind, it finds itself sturdy and well rooted.

The bramble is hardy in all seasons, and in this is found it’s holiness. Holiness for the bramble is faithfulness. But faithfulness is not always easy, but its reward is sweet.

“Lord, may your grace be ever with us as we journey this life. In the good times and in the bad may You help us to be faithful, to turn always toward You and toward the Cross. May we put out into deep water the roots of our faith, hope and love, and may we, at this life’s end, be found worthy of life eternal with You. Amen”