Sainthood: Mission Possible

One theme that has grabbed my attention in recent months is the idea that sainthood is attainable by the likes of you and me. In other words, becoming a Saint is not just for the Holy elite, but for everyone. Yes, you and me. Your life can be normal, unheroic, and saintly. It’s more than possible.

On the surface, the assertion that sainthood is possible sounds twee and sentimental. Doesn’t it make you want to snuggle up to the campfire with a cup of hot coco and sing kumbaya? Well, as twee as it might sound, it is anything but. As Christians, we have not only been saved from sin, but we have been called to mission. What mission? To bring the Kingdom of God to the earth through the spreading of the gospel. How is this to be accomplished? Through living out gospel virtues in our daily, often humdrum, lives. While we fold clothes, wash dishes, order our coffee, and engage in small talk around the water cooler, we have been charged with LIVING and SPREADING the gospel.

While living the gospel and following Christ is easier said than done, it is in no way impossible. Recognizing the possibility of sainthood, it seems to me, is one of the biggest obstacles to seeing it realized in our lives. It is the enemy of our soul who has convinced us that sainthood is not possible. How does he do this? My experience has been that he often uses false humility to mask the possibility of saintliness, or at least that’s what I have experienced personally.

“Oh, I could never be a Saint. I’m no Mother Teresa. I could never do anything great.”

While a healthy recognition of our own flaws and limitations is good, to write off sainthood because of them is simply unacceptable. Have flaws? Face them. Take them to confession and seeks God’s grace. Learn and grow as you pick up your cross and follow Our Lord. We cannot fall victim to Satan’s plan to keep us inactive and ineffective. We were created to become saints and towards sainthood we must strive.

Peace be with you!