Becoming Truly Human

“Being human is difficult. Becoming human is a lifelong process. To be truly human is a gift.”
~ Abraham Heschel

The words of Heschel remind us that humanity is not a finished product but a pilgrimage. In Catholic tradition, we understand this journey as sanctification—a slow, grace-filled process of becoming who God created us to be.

For many, the path is marked by wounds: families broken by addiction, choices that led us into excess, and the distorted outlooks that followed. In such places of pain, we often crave quick fixes, instant healing, or control over the process. Yet the Gospel teaches us another way: “Look to this day.” Christ calls us to walk step by step, hour by hour, trusting that His mercy is enough for the moment before us.

There are no shortcuts to holiness, no instant remedies for the human heart. But when we surrender our drive to control, we discover the quiet miracle of becoming truly human. We begin to feel like real people again—capable of love, of communion, of joy in authentic contact with others. This is the gift of grace: God reshaping us into His image, not through our striving, but through our surrender.

Today, I am grateful simply to be part of this process. Lord, help me release my grip, and let You lead me into the fullness of humanity You desire for me.