Second Sunday in Lent AD 2026

Saint Paul says in today’s Epistle: “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” If we now ask what holiness is, the first answer is contained in these same words of Saint Paul: holiness is the opposite of uncleanness. Holiness is purity: purity from sin, from evil, from corruption. Holiness cleanses our conscience and brings us freedom: we no longer have to carry the burden of guilt that weighs us down and drives us to despair, because we are free.

Saint Thomas Aquinas says that the Latin word sanctus, which denotes something or someone holy, comes from the expression sanguine tinctus – “dipped in blood” or “sprinkled with blood.” This means that no one becomes holy by themselves, through their own strength or efforts, but only as a gift from God, through His grace. God has washed and sanctified us in the blood of His only begotten Son.

Hence the second meaning of the word “holy” besides purity: it denotes that which belongs to God. Christ has redeemed us to God by His blood – He has all authority in heaven and on earth and over us, and He exercises this authority to give us the glory and joy of eternal life.

Saint Paul’s admonition to live a life free from impurity and pleasing God is not meant to frighten or fetter us, but to encourage us and set us free. God wants us to be His own, not as slaves, but as His children. God does not want us to perish, but that we might inherit true life through His saving grace.