“This firm resolution to become a saint is extremely pleasing to Me. I bless your efforts and will give you opportunities to sanctify yourself. Be watchful that you lose no opportunity that My providence offers you for sanctification. If you do not succeed in taking advantage of an opportunity, do not lose your peace, but humble yourself profoundly before Me and, with great trust, immerse yourself completely in My mercy. In this way, you gain more than you have lost, because more favor is granted to a humble soul than the soul itself asks for…” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1361
Do you want to be a saint? Really, honestly want to be a saint? All too often, we hold back a little because we think becoming a saint is too hard, not meant for me. Or, that it means we have to join religious life or give up everything we enjoy or have.
However, each of us IS called to be a saint. And, more so, we are called to be a saint where we are, in what we do. We are called to be a saint in our everyday life as a priest, spouse, brother, friend, parent, son/daughter, co-worker and leader. In every role we fill,, we are given opportunity for sanctification. And, to sanctify.
“May the Lord give to all of us the hope of being Saints. However, one of you might ask me: “Father, can one be a Saint in everyday life?” Yes, one can. “But does this mean that we have to pray the whole day?” No, it means that one must do one’s duty the whole day: pray, go to work, look after the children. However, everything must be done with the heart open to God, so that work – also in sickness and in suffering, also in difficulties – is open to God, and thus we can become Saints. May the Lord give us the hope of being Saints. We must not think it is something difficult, that it is easier to be delinquent than Saints! No. We can be Saints because the Lord helps us; it is He who helps us.” Pope Francis, June 17, 2021 General Audience.
Remember this the next time you have the opportunity to do the dishes or clean your room. The opportunities to sanctify the moment, to become a saint are endless. God puts boundless opportunities before us to sanctify us and bring us to Heaven as saints. These opportunities give us the chance at sanctification right now, in what we are doing in this moment.
Lord, help me to see how I can become a saint by living my very best life exactly where You have me now. Amen