The True Meaning of Holiness: All Saints’ Day vs. the Protestant Reformation of Martin Luther

About this sermon

Does God’s grace truly transform us? This All Saints Day sermon explores the Catholic understanding of holiness, justification, and our calling to become saints. Beginning with a friendly encounter with a Lutheran pastor, the preacher contrasts Catholic teaching on sanctifying grace with his critique of Luther’s account of justification. At the heart of the sermon is a hopeful message: God’s grace makes real holiness possible. Drawing on Scripture, St. Augustine, St. Francis de Sales, the Council of Trent, and St. Irenaeus, this reflection examines how divine love renews the soul, strengthens us to keep the commandments, and calls us to cooperate with God. All Saints Day reveals the goal of the Christian life: union with God in heaven. The saints show what His grace can accomplish in those who respond to Him. God loves us as we are—and calls us to become holy. 00:00 Opening prayer and praise 00:16 Meeting a Lutheran pastor 00:50 Christ the King and Reformation Day 01:06 The sermon’s account of the Reformation 02:09 All Saints and the meaning of holiness 02:39 God’s command: be holy 03:31 Faith, grace, and our cooperation 04:03 St. Augustine: God crowns His gifts 04:17 The preacher’s critique of imputed righteousness 05:37 St. Francis de Sales on true devotion 06:42 Can grace truly restore us? 07:16 The Holy Spirit dwelling in the soul 07:54 Does God love us as we are? 08:20 Grace and keeping the commandments 09:00 God’s love and the goodness of creation 09:34 The Church and the vision of heaven 10:20 The liturgy as a window into eternity 11:04 Giving glory to God through holiness 11:37 Responding to grace in daily choices 12:19 Confidence in God’s transforming grace For more please visit http://www.institute-christ-king.org/wausau/wausau-sermons/ & remember to say 3 Hail Marys for the priest #AllSaintsDay #CatholicSermon #SanctifyingGrace #CallToHoliness #CatholicFaith #Saints #SensusFidelium 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

Topics

• Holiness