For this month’s discussion of saints, we begin with St. Thérèse of Lisieux. This is a good choice, because she considered herself “little” and she demonstrated and encouraged our love of God through little acts. It’s helpful to start small when we’re trying to develop or grow in some way. For inspiration from St. Thérèse, be sure to read the chapter we’ve provided from My Life with the Saints.
When was the last time you truly felt that by living your ordinary life you were becoming a saint? When surrounded by a culture in which everyone must become famous, even if through a few humiliating moments on a reality television show, it’s difficult to see our ordinary as sacred. In this society, “little” doesn’t count for much.
But St. Thérèse discovered that “little” was quite good enough for God and for holiness: “I applied myself to practicing little virtues, not having the capability of practicing the great.”
We hardly think of ourselves as saints. But in God’s kingdom, we are indeed saints, because we are constantly being transformed into the people God created us to be:
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.”
—2 Corinthians 3:17–18
Do you dare accept this holy identity? Can you own the fact that you are destined to become more and more a true reflection of God?
Exercise for the week:
As you go through this week, take time to jot down the many tasks you do. Also, try to list the various conversations and other interactions you have with people.
Look over the items on this, and for each one ask yourself:
How does this task or interaction give me the opportunity to express love?
How can I perceive God’s love touching me through this task or interaction?I encourage you to share your thoughts in a comment on the blog.
Then thank God specifically for these opportunities. This simple act of gratitude for what is daily and ordinary is what gradually builds a saintly life.
To post a tribute to a loved one who has died click on the All Souls tab.
To take advantage of special savings on My Life with the Saints by Fr. James Martin, use the promo code “SAINTS09”. Only $12.00 each! (paperback edition only).
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Found this old Sufi story today: A good man was granted one wish by God. The man said he would like to go about doing good without knowing about it. God granted his wish. And then God decided that it was such a good idea, he would grant that wish to all human beings. And so it has been to this day.
There have been many times that I have seen someone do something that has spoken to me – sometimes just that general; sometimes as a sign – and they are unaware of me.
Every day I pray that the Lord lead me to do what He needs to have done by His Body (hands and feet and even mind). I have never tried to think what part of the Body I am. I have prayed to be a peacemaker (which got me into something I was not prepared for), but though people think I am kind and generous, I don’t always see God working through me. Once in a while, I feel the Spirit flow through me and then I give thanksgiving.
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I have read Fr. Martin’s book My Life with the Saints and can’t begin to tell you how many people I have introduced this book to. I recently gave a workshop for our regional school and religious ed teachers concerning Saints and used Fr. Martin’s book. For the most part they all purchased one and the school has a copy in thier library. I would highly recommend this. Also, Fr. Martin has put out a DVD based on his book. We purchased a copy for our rel. ed program especially to use with our Confirmation candidates.
Besides re-introudcing us to well known saints he even mentions some we don’t know about abd how we can associate them with our daily lives.
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Vinita Reply:
November 5th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Thank you for that testimonial. We continue to promote Fr. Martin’s book because it is so helpful, informative, and inspirational. All peace–Vinita
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