To do His Will Leads us to Holiness

In the letter of Hebrews we read this:

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Doing God’s will lead us towards holiness. We all want to attain heaven. Elsewhere in Hebrews we read "Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord" (12:14). How do we do this, do his will? And achieve Holiness?

Here are some ideas/comments.

The sacraments

Following, loving Christ, receiving him in the Eucharist. The Church has given us many avenues to keep us on the right tract. Those of us who can, daily Mass is usually available, what a blessing to receive him on other days, not just Sundays!

We have the sacrament of Reconciliation. Christ did not come to heal the healthy, but the sick (Mark 2:17). We are the sick when we are in sin. But absolution in the confessional heals us. With this grace we are equipped to do his will, to pray effectively for those in need.

How about the power of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick. I have received it myself. I have witnessed both my wife and grandfather receiving it. It was so powerful for both. My wife was at peace as she went in for a difficult surgery. My grandfather, on his deathbed was overjoyed, he was so happy anticipating his very soon appearance before the Lord.

Prayers

The rosary. Did you know that praying a family rosary while in a state of Grace, you can receive an indulgence. When you apply it to a deceased loved one, you are doing God’s will. Assisting the deceased to enter heaven.

The same goes for Adoration of the blessed sacrament. One half hour in front of the sacrament (in a state of grace) provides an opportunity for another indulgence for a deceased loved one.

Liturgy of the Hours. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) The Hours are a meditative dialogue on the mystery of Christ, using scripture and prayer. Morning and Evening Prayer include intercessions where we can pray for the whole of the Church. Very powerful.

These are just a few observations on my part on how to do God’s will and pursue holiness and I hope they are helpful.