Although perfection is an aspect that no human could ever achieve, each of us is constantly called to greater holiness through charity, prayer, and especially the New Commandment of Love. There are a select few of us who are called to holiness through the priesthood, and another group of us who are called to join the special group known as the laity. The laity composes of lay men and lay women who engage in everyday activities, and evangelize and sanctify the world "from within." These men and women are the "front lines" in the Church's evangelical mission.
How does one seek holiness through the laity? This requires more than just attending mass once a week or volunteering for service hours at a retirement home or homeless shelter. God calls us to seek holiness in every part of our lives: work, school, home, friends, family, etc. A proper response to the call to holiness would be:
- Actively participating in the liturgy (i.e. altar serving, attending mass daily)
- Frequent reception of the Sacraments (especially of the Eucharist and Reconciliation)
- Forming an active life of prayer
- Applying the practices of sacrifice and self-denial
- Sanctifying all part of life (ordinary and within the Church)
We should put as many of these practices into our ordinary lives as possible. Through their application, we may grow closer to God and aid in sanctifying the world to make it a better place.
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