# The Gift of Sanctity
*2016-02-23*

> Bill Young reflects on Pope Francis’ call to conversion, explaining that sanctity is a gift of the Holy Spirit given to every Christian, not something we earn on our own.

## Sanctity as a Gift

We must keep clearly in mind that sanctity is not something we can procure for ourselves or obtain by our own qualities or abilities. Sanctity is a gift granted to us by the Lord. When He draws us to Himself and closes us in His love, He makes us like Him.

## Scriptural Basis

Acts 2:38 reminds us: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul writes that Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her (Eph 5:25‑26).

## Sanctity for All the Church

Sanctity truly is the most beautiful face of the Church. It is the recovery of ourselves in communion with God, sharing in the abundance of His life and love. Sanctity is therefore not a prerogative of a few; it is a gift to all. No one is excluded, because the distinctive character of every Christian is constituted by this call to holiness.

## A Prayer for Holiness

Jesus, help me respond to Your call to holiness through my prayer and loving behavior. Amen.

*Sanctity is a universal gift of the Holy Spirit, inviting every Christian to grow into the likeness of Christ.*