Memorial of Saint Philip Neri

One More Step with God

You know, one of the things I’ve noticed is that most people are harder on themselves than anyone else. We look at our lives and think, I should be farther along by now. I should be more patient. I should trust God more. I shouldn’t still struggle with the same things. And then we hear words today like, “Be holy.” Sometimes that can sound overwhelming.

Because if we’re honest, holiness can feel like something meant for somebody else — saints, religious sisters, people who seem to have everything together. But holiness is not about being perfect. Holiness begins when ordinary people decide to let God shape ordinary moments: the way we speak to someone when we’re tired, the patience we show when we’re frustrated, choosing forgiveness when we would rather stay upset, making time for prayer even when we don’t feel like it.

In the Gospel, Peter says to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” And I think Peter is also asking a question many of us ask: Lord, is all this worth it? Trying to follow Christ. Trying to do what is right. Trying to stay faithful.

And Jesus reminds him — and us — that no sacrifice made for Him is ever wasted.

Today we celebrate Saint Philip Neri, who is sometimes called the joyful saint. What I like about him is that he reminds us holiness does not mean becoming gloomy or severe. He helped people laugh. He enjoyed people. He met them where they were and slowly helped them grow closer to God.

He understood something important: God is patient with us.

Holiness is not becoming someone else. It is slowly becoming the person God created us to be.

And maybe that is enough for today. Not to have everything figured out, but simply to let God take one more step with us.