PODCAST | A Holiness that Exceeds that of the Pharisees
The Lord asks that our holiness exceed that of the Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-36). We recall that the Pharisees were a virtuous people who lived the moral law, prayed many times throughout the day along with fasting and almsgiving. But the Lord wants us also to love as He has loved—a love that reveals through our actions that we are His disciples. Desiring union with the love of Christ requires that we prioritize the formation of our heart’s mission: to be humble, charitable, and pious in our actions and not just go through the motions.
There are three components to this formation:
- Ask the help of the Holy Spirit to assist in our formation to be effective right where we are—in our piece of the world—our family, workplace, social acquaintances, and fellow parishioners. We must be a light to others.
- Be salt to those around you affecting change in their lives and a desire to live the words of Christ— “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock” (Matthew 7:24).
- Ask our Lady to help in your formation and you will be assured of being formed according to the heart of Christ; thus your actions will be such that it may be said of you: “This person reads the life of Jesus Christ”; “This person lives the words of Christ”.
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Rev. Peter Armenio
Rev. Peter V. Armenio was ordained a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei in 1980. He is the author of several books published by Midwest Theological Forum, including Highlights of the Catholic Faith. He also served as President of the St. Josemaria Institute from 2006 to 2012. He has been working in campus ministry for the past 30 years and also preaches recollections and gives spiritual direction in Chicago.
