Explore the Lives of the Saints
By John Jelinek
As a kid, the arrival of October was an exciting time. There were mountains of leaves to jump in, the sweet smell of fall in the air, and the promise of endless candy on Halloween.
Unfortunately, as with Christmas and other Christian celebrations, the secular expression of these great days often dominates our perception.
‘In the lives of the saints, we see individuals who, like us, were yoked with sin and hardship. However, through God’s grace, they were able to triumph.’ |
In the early Church, we see Christian communities honoring the saints in their prayers, writings, and depictions on the walls of the catacombs. They recognized they were part of a larger community, the Communion of Saints, that encompassed those on earth and in heaven.
As St. Paul says, “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…” (Ephesians 2:19).
The saints provide us with a vital witness of how to live for Christ. Often, the weight of our sin and circumstances of life feel insurmountable. In the lives of the saints, we see individuals who, like us, were yoked with sin and hardship. However, through God’s grace, they were able to triumph.
St. Paul, pointing to the example of the saints says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
The saints show us that holiness is possible in everyday life. There are many from contemporary times, and they arise from every walk of life: married, single, religious, young, old, rich, and poor.
Blessed Carlos Acutis, possibly the first saint of the millennial generation, is an extraordinary model to teens: he loved sports, video games, and above all Jesus.
St Gianna was a mother and doctor who in the 1960’s gave her life for her child.
Blesssed Anacleto Gonzalez Flores, a lawyer and loving father, stood against the horrific Communist persecution of the Church in Mexico.
In addition to their witness, the saints constantly work for us. Much like a fellow Christian might pray for us here on earth, Scriptures tell us that, in a most splendid way, the saints bring our prayers before the altar of God. In St. John the Apostle’s vision of heaven, he saw the saints in heaven offering the prayers of the “holy ones” on earth to the Lamb of God (Revelation 5:8).
Recognizing the power of this prayer from heaven, St. Dominic at the time of his death said, “Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life.” Indeed, the Church bears witness to many miracles attributed to the intercessory prayers of the saints.
God does not “need” the prayers of the saints any more than He “needs” the prayers of us here on Earth. God is the sole source of our salvation and the font of all grace, but in His love, He has willed that we be His “co-workers” and participants in the salvation of others (1 Corinthians 3:9).
In preparation for All Saints Day this year, I encourage you to explore the lives of these or other saints. May their witness and prayers be with us as we gather to glorify God as His people and one Communion of Saints.