It’s hard to believe we are at Day 28! Our first week, we came to a better understanding of the need for God, the need for Jesus in our lives. Then we began to uncover the acronym STEPS. I am called to have a Servants heart. I am called to Tithe and give. I am called to Engage with the community.
I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. —St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Not only must we engage with those we share history, as Christ followers we engage with those in the heavenly realm. Most of us believe we have a Guardian Angel. My guardian angel is very active in my journey. God wants to engage me from many different perspectives, whether the angels or saints.
Sometimes, non-Catholics have approached me asking, “Why do you worship Mary and the saints? Isn’t that idol worshipping?” Fair question, but misinformed. The saints are inspiration and engage us to be better followers of Jesus. Michael White and Tom Corcoran offer an excellent reflection to keep the saints in a healthy perspective. I do agree that we can mistakenly remove a saint’s humanity. Their humanity is what leads to their sainthood. I remember the “scandal” when Mother Teresa of Calcutta said she had dark times and sometimes doubted her faith. Some Catholics were “scandalized” because they took away her humanity. I love connecting with the saint’s human journey.
Why do you think it is helpful to see ourselves as enjoying fellowship with the saints?
Is there a biblical hero or saint whom you admire or whose story has resonated with you? What can you do to know their story better?
How has this week, focused on engaging in Christian community, changed how you view its importance in our faith life?
Whether its Peter’s emotional flare ups, Paul’s conversion moments, Mary Magdalene devotion, Oscar Romero’s sacrifice or Teresa of Calcutta’s questioning, what a group of men and women on the same journey as me. Like the marathon runner, it’s great have these saints cheering us on to victory. We don’t idolize, but we recognize their importance for the journey.
Saints of God, pray for us.