Holiness consists not of self-improvement or moral perfection, but of belonging entirely to God and allowing Him to perform the work of sanctification. True holiness is a vertical relationship with God, distinct from the horizontal practice of righteousness and justice, which involves keeping commandments and being a good citizen. While original sin left humanity deprived of divine life, the Incarnation and the sacraments provide the means for divinization, enabling believers to participate in God's own nature. Dr. Scott Hahn, a theologian and author, emphasizes that the sacraments make this holiness possible rather than automatic, requiring a life of prayer and surrender. By shifting focus from personal effort to receiving God’s grace, individuals can move beyond the "white-knuckling" of moral striving toward a deeper, trust-filled reliance on the Father’s merciful love, ultimately finding peace in the school of suffering.
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