«Your duty is to sanctify yourself. Yes, even you. Who thinks that this task is only for priests and religious? To everyone, without exception, our Lord said: Be ye perfect, as my heavenly Father is perfect.»
The call to love God with all one’s heart and with all one’s mind and with all one’s soul, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, not just in theory but in practice, is addressed to every man and woman. This is God’s will, your sanctification, as Saint Paul said to the first Christians. This message is «as old as the Gospel and as new as the Gospel.» God is calling all baptized people to the fullness of sanctity.
«It is important to keep reminding ourselves that Jesus did not address himself to a privileged set of people; he came to reveal the universal love of God to us. God loves all men, and he wants all to love him — everyone, whatever his personal situation, his social position, his work.»
People of all social conditions wherever they are; stockbrokers, factory workers, computer programmers, clerks, students and retired. Everyone is called to sanctify himself or herself not only because they are in the middle of the world, but precisely in and through situations and activities that are part of their daily life. «Multitudes of God’s children, sanctifying themselves as ordinary citizens, sharing the ambitions and endeavors of their colleagues and friends.»
Everyone Can Be a Saint
From Saint Josemaría, Homily Towards Holiness
I found this quote this morning as I was working ahead on our parish bulletin (we feature information about a saint of the week every week). And it struck me. Here’s a guy who was just canonized in the time since I’ve been Catholic, and he’s speaking to me in a way that’s right in my face, right at my level. I need this reminder that Jesus was talking to people like me, that he was not just talking to those who can be cloistered away, but also to the busy working mums of the world (and dads, and others!). I especially need to be told to make myself holy in all I do. (And I need God’s help to make that happen, oh yes!) But there’s hope. See the title? “Everyone can be a saint.” That makes me smile. Our parish bulletin is named “Saints Alive.” And isn’t the community of saints such a wonderful part of our Catholic and Christian heritage?
He’s been speaking to me as well in recent weeks.
Hi Aimee
I have been asked to consider re-opening the CCDBblog. I have agreed to prayerfully consider this. Presently there are four writers, including myself, all male, who are willing to write for the blog on a regular basis. Regular to me means at least once a month. Some have chosen to write once a week. I am only going to approach a few more people, all women, about writing and you are on that shortlist. You would be free to write in any style at any length you please. The only “rule” as it were will be that your post is keyed to one of the actives readings of a given week (it will be my job to supply those). Let me know your thoughts. Of course, this is an entirely volunteer effort.
There is no hurry for your reply. Take your time.
—
::thrive!
Owen
i recall dorothy day resisting the idea that she should be canonized after her death for similar reasons. she felt that canonization made it seem heroic and unachieveable for the typical catholic, when she felt that christian discipleship was open to everyone who was willing to take up the cross.
best wishes,
LoA.