When the Saints Go Marching In…
In my mind today, I’m reading and reflecting on today’s Holy Day: The Feast of All Saints. You ever hear people say, “That person is a Saint!” Well, what makes a Saint?
Everyday I read about a different Saint. It’s part of my morning ritual. These courageous people many times suffered tremendously during their lives. To top it off many times they died gruesome deaths: burning at the stake, disemboweled, quartered at their death and scattered, or crucified upside down. I see the back row woke up with all of these graphic descriptions. The way they died didn’t automatically put them on the list for sainthood. It was the way they continued to live despite the suffering. They constantly sought what was true, right, and justified by God. They were light bearers. They spread hope, joy, and love in the mist of hopelessness. After reading this phrase “saints faced walls but saw them as doors,” made me stop and think how wonderful? What an inspiring frame of mind. When backed into a corner, they didn’t see the walls of terminal diseases, starvation, injustice, abject poverty, or tyranny. They envisioned solutions and lived those solutions never relenting until their deaths. They never feared death because they knew their purpose was bigger. Could you surrender your life for the greater good?
During mass each week we have a time to remember those souls who have gone before us. I have always loved this brief part of our service. I’m able to remember and whisper prayers for family and friends who are on the other side of heaven. I get lost in my mind remembering them and the love I still carry for them in my heart. I imagine they can feel the love emanating from all of us here on earth and they smile because I do. Amazingly we each are given an earthly life that intertwines with so many. I’m excited to see and understand all the connections when I cross over into eternity. Yes back row, I am a bit fruity.
Today, strive to be a Saint. Saints were ordinary people like you and me. It’s not about how much you give, do, or pray. It’s about the way in which you give, do, or pray. It’s about what is in your heart as you give, do, or pray. It’s about a journey of thinking of others before you think of yourselves. It’s about “finding doors” when you are walled in a corner. Back row it’s not about illusions but simply unleashing the magic within our own hearts. Let’s all join in the choir of saints and give of ourselves, do something kind, and pray for each other.
Sarah Anderson Alley
Sal the I wanna be a Saint Gal
Dedicated to all of those who have gone before us.
Quotes of the Day:
“I have always wanted to become a saint. Unfortunately, when I have compared myself with the saints, I have always found that there is the same difference between the saints and me as there is between a mountain whose summit is lost in the clouds and a humble grain of sand trodden underfoot by passers-by.”
Thérèse of Lisieux
“A man does not have to be an angel in order to be saint.”
Albert Schweitzer
“In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized 120 saints of China, 87 of whom were ethnically Chinese. My home church was incredibly excited because this was the first time the Roman Catholic Church acknowledged Chinese citizens in this way.”
Gene Luen Yang
“Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”
“I want you to be concerned about your next door neighbor. Do you know your next door neighbor.”
Mother Teresa
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