This Past Homily: Holiness Without the Results

One of the improvements I want to make in my spiritual life is being more invested during the homily. I wrote down the key topics that stuck with me from this past Sunday, and how I hope to use them to better my faith and myself.

In a previous post, I explored my lack of forgiveness for others because I wanted to see judgment passed on them before I gave it. However, the Lord's forgiveness does not come with strings, and neither does mine. Therefore, this homily struck me just as bitterly as the last, but once again, it was the exact message I needed to hear.

I will admit, I am still new to the idea of holiness and what it entails. It's one of the Biblical ideas I need to study more before I discuss it at length, but the pastor's message was this: are you willing to live a holy and prophetic life without seeing the results? Knowing that all you do may not see results or fruition before you die?

This is a major hurtle for me. Just as I did not want to forgive because I assumed they wouldn't change and only hurt me again, so God is asking if I am going to follow His way even if nothing changes until after I am gone. Will I still do what He calls me to do even if the good things do not happen?

For me, it's not as much a matter of pride, but rather a matter of pain. I want to forgive and be that faithful person, but how can I forgive everyday anew when I know what to expect?

This is where Jesus is telling me that if I only had more faith, something would change. That person would be transformed and not cause me hurt. This person would see the error of their ways and change. The world teaches us to expect what we have always seen; faith teaches us to hope for the best in each person we encounter. How can we hope for something better when we already expect the worst?

I'm also not excluding myself. I know I need to improve, and that I may be one of these bad people in someone else's life. We never know how the world views us, but if we follow the way of Christ, there is only one view they can have.

Father, I seek forgiveness for my sins, and I seek forgiveness in my heart for those whom I harbor anger or resentment. Better me for Your sake. Teach me Your ways. Transform my life into one that You love. Strengthen my faith above all else. Thank you, my Lord. Amen.