The true measure of growth in the spiritual life has to do with awareness of the holiness of humanity. It is a long road to journey from a sense of self as primarily flawed to one that is first and foremost holy. . . . My holiness has nothing to do with me, but has everything to do with the presence in me of the Holy. My task is not to please you, but to gently and compassionately live in accord with my true/holy/God-self.
— Tom Stella, A Faith Worth Believing