Crookston, MN Women's Retreat 2026

What is holiness? Is it living a life free of sin? Is it found in pious acts, attending Mass or praying the rosary every day? Is it living a life with God right at the center of all we do? To be certain, all of these are good and holy things, but if our quest for holiness is based strictly on the things we do, we can easily become overwhelmed. These things can become burdensome, things we feel obligated to do, rather than opportunities that bring us closer to God. Why do these good and holy pursuits fail to satisfy our longings?

It's because we are thinking only with our human minds, rather than with the mind of Jesus Christ. Jesus told us to Love God with all our hearts, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. He gave us a new commandment, to love one another as He loves us. He told us to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and to give without counting the cost. He lived it from the cross when he begged the Father to forgive his executioners.

So, what if holiness is found in the ability to love all our neighbors without effort? Loving our enemies, especially those who persecute us is not easy, but this is the path that Jesus said leads to holiness. Holiness isn't found in the things we do; it is found in the way we love. To love with the love of Jesus Christ, a love that knows no limitations and does not discriminate. To love without thought, to love without effort. That is how we can find holiness: in the Love of Jesus Christ.