Apr 02nd - Pedro Calungsod

At what point in your life do you become holy?
Okay that is a trick question and has two veiled questions within it. First is when do we decide to become holy and then how do we know we have reached holiness?
We are saved, we have been given the reconciliation of the Cross, we have been taught, given instruction in the Truth, but at some point we have to integrate that into our thoughts and heart. We have to "grow up" and move beyond "childish things" (1 Corinthians 13:11) and take responsibility and personally claim that victory that Jesus won for us.
It is when we take all that we have been given seriously that we begin the road to holiness. That decision can come at any age, and those who embraced it early in life, like Pedro, should spur each of us on to hasten our steps for the bridegroom is coming and we do not want to be shut out (Matthew 25:1-13).

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"If anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven" (Matthew 10:32). From his childhood, Pedro Calungsod declared himself unwaveringly for Christ and responded generously to his call. Young people today can draw encouragement and strength from the example of Pedro, whose love of Jesus inspired him to devote his teenage years to teaching the faith as a lay catechist. Leaving family and friends behind, Pedro willingly accepted the challenge put to him by Fr Diego de San Vitores to join him on the Mission to the Chamorros. In a spirit of faith, marked by strong Eucharistic and Marian devotion, Pedro undertook the demanding work asked of him and bravely faced the many obstacles and difficulties he met. In the face of imminent danger, Pedro would not forsake Fr Diego, but as a "good soldier of Christ" preferred to die at the missionary's side. Today Bl. Pedro Calungsod intercedes for the young, in particular those of his native Philippines, and he challenges them. Young friends, do not hesitate to follow the example of Pedro, who "pleased God and was loved by him" (Wisdom 4:10) and who, having come to perfection in so short a time, lived a full life (cf. ibid., v. 13).

-- John Paul II, Beatification Of 44 Servants Of God, 5