How we define the ‘holy’ ones

“ ... I believe in the Holy Catholic Church ... ” (from the Apostles Creed).

How many times have we spoken those words? I have asked dozens and dozens of church people the meaning of the creed.

A few mention a feeble definition of “church.” A few more correctly identify “catholic” as “universal,” although most confuse it with the Roman Catholic Church. Almost everyone has no clue about “holy.”

And I wonder why people keep mouthing words they don’t understand.

Before we focus on the word “holy,” I will clarify Catholic and church. Trust me on this; I got straight As in Greek and Hebrew.

1. The Greek word for church is the word “ekklesia.” Literally, it means “the called out ones.” That is, God has called the persons as God’s people who have said “yes” to God’s invitation.

Personally, I believe that God calls all people. However, as with any invitation, we can say “thanks or no thanks, deal or no deal.”

I wrestled with God’s invitation for four years before I affirmed a nervous “yes.” I had few clues about what would follow.

Quickly, I learned that “church” and risk go hand-in-hand.

2) Catholic. For some reason, many Protestants have difficulty with this word. I do know the reason. It reminds them of the Roman Catholic Church. Good grief! If only they would use the dictionary.

Take your choice: “universal, all-embracing, broadminded, liberal, general, not exclusive.”

3) Holy. Most Protestants deny their holiness with, “If you knew me better, you could never call me holy.”

As a Christian, you are holy, based not upon what you do or refrain from doing.

Remember that the Apostle Paul called the Corinthian Christians “saints” (implied holy), even though they were getting drunk on the communion wine.

Holiness and Sainthood have nothing to do with doing and not doing. If they did, we would work ourselves to death trying to get into heaven.

Grace, not works, determines our entrance into the Kingdom.

Read and listen carefully: Grace is God’s unconditional, unearned, unmerited, undeserved acceptance of us now. Not as we were yesterday, not as we will be tomorrow; but as we are now, in the precious present moment. Do we accept that gift?

Following is the best description of “holiness,” what it is and what it is not. Written by William Stringfellow:

“Holiness does not mean that you are any better than anyone else. Holiness is not about goodness. Holiness is not common pietism. Holiness is not even about pleasing God, even less about appeasing God. Holiness is about enjoying God. Holiness is the integrity of greeting, confessing, honoring, and trusting God’s presence in all events and in any events, no matter what, no matter when, no matter where.” (Read this again; maybe even memorize it.)

Examples:

1. One of my seminary professors was watching a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game. He was musing to himself, “I wonder if anyone in the park ever thinks about God?” His friend leaned over and questioned, “I wonder if anyone watching the game ever thinks about God.”

That event inspired a sermon of mine, “God at the Ballpark.”

2. From my book of Original Sayings: “All of life is Holy Ground, so watch where you’re stepping!”

3. Please read 1 Peter, four short chapters; or, at least chapter 2; or, at the very least, 1 Peter 2: 9-10, which reads, “You (that’s you and I) are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy people, God’s own people.”

Spread the joy and take responsibility.

Peace and joy to you, Holy Saints.

Saints and Sinners columnist Wayne Keller is a regular contributor for The Herald.