How many of us here are saints? Or, perhaps a better question, is how many of us here are going to be saints?
When we talk about saints what are the first things that come to mind? Old? Holy? Boring? How about “guys that lived a long time ago”?
Would it surprise you to know that St. Mother Teresa suffered from depression and doubt? Would it surprise you to know that St. Teresa, the “little Flower” and patron of our diocese admits to being a little bit of a brat?
If I told you about a boy that was raised in a rich family, to a mother that was Christian but only barley, and a father that was only baptized on his death bed. Someone that wrote a bunch of books that initially told of his wild and misspent youth and in them admits to fathering an illegitimate child. This boy’s most quoted line goes something like, “Father help me to live the life that you want for me, just not right now”.
When we heard about this person, we might actually be interested in learning more about him. He sounds interesting and a little bit fun, but definitely not a saint. Now, what if I told you that this person is widely considered the most important and influential writer of the catholic church, second only to St. Paul. On Easter Day in the year 387, St. Augustine was baptized, and the catholic church would never be the same.
This doesn’t make any sense, right? Holy people are supposed to be holy and not holy people are supposed to be not holy. There are rules about these things, well what if we are wrong about that? What if we are all called to be saints and just don’t know it?
Pope Francis wrote in a recent letter to the church that he sees holiness “in those parents who raise their children with immense love, in those men and women who work hard to support their families, in the sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile. In their daily perseverance I see the holiness of the Church militant. Very often it is a holiness found in our next-door neighbors, those who, living in our midst, reflect God’s presence. We might call them ‘the middle class of holiness.’”
Maybe that is who we are? The middle class of Holiness”.
Today is the feist day of Kateri Tekakwitha. She was the daughter of a Christian Algonquin who lived her life among the Mohawk clan of native American Indians. She lived a very hard life always choosing her relationship with God over her own well being. She saw herself insignificant to her eventual goal of everlasting life.
Pope Francis went on to say that all Catholics, like the saints, “need to see the entirety of your life as a mission,” and explained that this is accomplished by listening to God in prayer and asking the Holy Spirit for guidance in each moment and decision.
“A Christian cannot think of his or her mission on earth without seeing it as a path of holiness,” he stated, explaining that this path has its “fullest meaning in Christ, and can only be understood through him.”
Please understand, I am not saying that you should live your life like the young St. Augustin waiting for the day that you feel that it is time to turn on the saint button. Live your life the way that Pope Francis suggests. We are already middle class saints, exactly where we are and who we are right now. Remember, God knows you, he knew you before you were born. Luke 12:7 But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not fear; you are more valuable than, … and loved than any of His creation.
We are all saints, take a minute, look around and be amazed what the Lord has given to those of us in this room.
The way of the just is smooth;
the path of the just you make level.
Yes, for your way and your judgments, O LORD,
we look to you;
Your name and your title
are the desire of our souls.
My soul yearns for you in the night,
yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you;
When your judgment dawns upon the earth,
the world’s inhabitants learn justice.
O LORD, you mete out peace to us,
for it is you who have accomplished all we have done.
MT 11:28 – 30
Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
July 14, 2022
Share any comments, thoughts or questions through the links below, or email deaconed@crestedbuttecatholic.org.