St. Paul begins his First Letter to the Corinthians as he does with most of his letters. Instead of opening with a simple greeting – something like our modern “Dear friends” – he offers a much richer introduction.
Paul is never content with pleasantries alone. Right from the start, he wants the community to understand who they are and what their lives are meant to be about. So he addresses them not merely as the Church in Corinth, but as those who have been “sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy.”
For Paul, this is not flowery religious language. It is a statement of identity. Before the Corinthians hear any correction, encouragement, or instruction, Paul reminds them of the deepest truth about themselves. They are people called to holiness. He does not save this reminder for later in the letter. He leads with it, as if to say: if you forget this, you will misunderstand everything else.
Holiness is a word we hear often in religious settings, yet it can feel vague or even intimidating. Like the word “love,” we usually recognize holiness when we encounter it, but we struggle to define it precisely. And perhaps defining it is not the most important thing. Wanting holiness may matter far more than being able to explain it. In fact, our reluctance to desire holiness may be one of the greatest obstacles to actually growing in it.
Why might we resist holiness? For some, holiness sounds boring, as though holy people must be dull, joyless, or disconnected from real life. Others fear that holiness means standing apart, never fitting in, or being ridiculed for living differently.
Still others worry that holiness requires too much – too much sacrifice, too much effort, too much change. And for many, the deepest hesitation is this: holiness feels like it is meant for other people, not for us. Saints are extraordinary; we are ordinary. Surely God could not expect holiness from someone like me.
When we give in to these fears, we stop growing. We settle for spiritual stagnation, remaining comfortable but unchanged. We maintain the status quo instead of becoming the people God created us to be.
The Baptism of Jesus offers a powerful image of what holiness truly is. When Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan, it marks a turning point – from private life to public mission. Yet this moment does not make Jesus someone new. Rather, it reveals who he has always been. The Spirit descends, the Father’s voice is heard, and Jesus’ true identity shines forth. Those who are paying attention can see it.
The same Spirit who descended upon Jesus is the Spirit given to us. God is not distant or detached. He is near, dwelling within us, sustaining us with grace. We are created in God’s image, redeemed by Christ, and guided by the Spirit. Holiness, then, is not about becoming someone else. It is about allowing God’s life within us to become visible.
At its core, holiness is the radiating of God’s love, mercy, and compassion into the world. It is God’s presence shining through ordinary lives. When others can glimpse God through our words, actions, and choices, we can be confident that we are on the right path. This kind of holiness is not boring, joyless, or impossible. It is vibrant, life-giving, and deeply human.
“To you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy.” May Paul’s words echo in our hearts. And may the Spirit who dwells within us never remain hidden, but be clearly seen by all who encounter us.
By Father Stan Moczydlowski, Pastor of St. Benedict, Mohnton.
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