We love to hear stories of heroism that include defying all odds and being victorious against evil. These heroic acts bring an element of wonder and longing. We wonder at their actions and their abilities to do more than what seems ordinary. They also ignite a longing within us to become more than what we are today. That’s one of the gifts of humanity to become more!
But, for what purpose do we become more? Do we seek glory, honor, riches, recognition, or do we seek more eternal benefits? Having temporal goods is certainly essential to survive and thrive as a person. We must give our best to our children and families by providing for their needs and opportunities for their success. However, our temporal goals can never overtake in importance the eternal goals of holiness and eternal life.
We might be asking, “How we can become the saint (little “s”) we are called to be.”
The Saints (with a capital “S”) are the “living books” that we must study and learn to grow in our pursuit for heroic holiness. They were heroes of love that defied odds of persecution and rejection and won against the evil one to become truly holy. They were not born saints, but they made daily choices that pursued holiness and demonstrated their love of God.
Their level of holiness is attainable by ALL of us, not just the select few. God provides us with love and graces in abundance to become a “living book” of love in our own time and in our own world of influence.
No matter who you are, what you like to do, what you struggle with, or what you do for a living, there is a saint you can look to for inspiration and intercession.
In the kitchen cooking yet again another meal for your family, say a prayer to St Martha or St Lawrence.
Heading out to work and feeling the drag of a tough day ahead of you, ask for the intercession of St Joseph.
You might even have a profession that has a patron saint. Check out this list to see if your profession is on there and pray to them.
Heading to school yourself or taking your children to school then you can look to St John Bosco or St. Catherine of Alexandria. Or, for your college students, pray to St. Thomas Aquinas or St. Joseph of Cupertino.
For any of your family members who play sports, you can pray to St Sebastian.
Or if you or someone you love is struggling with difficult times, then check out this great list of patron saints to pray to for their intercession.
There are so many saints that we could spend the rest of our lives learning their stories. These saints made their love for God their source for everything. Their works and miracles showed the world how close they were to God. So close that we can proudly and confidently know they are in Eternal happiness with God. Being eternally united with God, they receive our prayers and intercede for us just as good earthly friends pray for each other in their needs and struggles.
Let us be sure we take time this coming Monday, November 1st, the Feast of All Saints Day to honor these Saintly men and women. There are so many ways to honor them but here are just a few ideas to choose from:
- Go to Mass and worship God with the saints because we love God so much not just because it’s a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Read stories of Saints and allow their witnessing to touch our lives and fill our imagination with heroic virtue and holiness.
- Choose a new saint each week to learn about and then ask for their intercession. After all, we all love saintly friends to spend time with and rely on!
- Spend time drawing saints in a simple and fun way at this link.
- Throw a simple All Saints’ Day party for our families with food, games, and faithful fun!
- Pray the Litany of the Saints and call on all the saints to pray for our family, Church, and world!
All you Holy Saints of God, pray for us and for the whole world!
https://www.catholic-saints.info/patron-saints/patron-saints-professions.htm
https://www.looktohimandberadiant.com/2014/10/all-saints-day-art-project.html?spref=pi&m=1
