Cleanliness is Next to Godliness : A Call to Holiness

“Cleanliness is Next to Godliness”

A common phrase we can usually see in classrooms, offices, kitchens, canteens and even in our comfort rooms. A phrase we cannot see inside our church, well maybe some churches may have, but it is not usual to see this signage inside, how ironic though that the phrase has a “God” in it but you cannot see it (signage) inside a church. But more than the concern to where should we put this phrase; please allow me to share my reflection on this phrase.

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Photo by Verne Ho on Unsplash

CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS: A CALL TO HOLINESS

Does “cleanliness” really next to Godliness? How? Not for the sake of rhyming words, but what I see in this quote is our call to holiness. Let us have the saints for example. First and foremost, they are not born clean, but they strive to be clean as they live their lives, clean from sins in order to be with God in heaven. Pope Francis said in his Apostolic Exhortation “Gaudete et Exsultate”, the saints served as our intercessors and our role models for us to imitate them. Holiness is not limited to those who are canonized and beatified. We, the lay people are also called to be holy, to be clean through our small and simple gestures of love and mercy. And when we become clean, we become a saint. And to be a saint, is literally staying next to God, in heaven.

I believe that this signage really fits to be put inside the church, not only because it has “God” in it, but as a reminder for us, of the Lord’s calling, us to be clean in mind, in heart and in spirit. Let us be holy for our God is holy.