"After this I looked, and there was an enormous crowd - no one could count all the people! They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood in front of the throne and of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They called out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb!”" (Revelation 7:9-10)
On November 1 every year (or the closest Sunday to it) the Catholic Church celebrates the solemnity of All Saints. The feast of All Saints was instituted in the 10th Century by Pope Gregory IV to commemorate the lives of the holy souls in heaven - who constitute the Triumphant Church of Jesus Christ.
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SAINT JOSEPH, WITH THE CHILD JESUS |
THE LIVES OF SAINTS
On this occasion and throughout the month of November - which is dedicated to the souls of the dead - the essential thing for Christians is to reflect on the lives of the Saints. This is important in order to draw inspiration and encouragement from their examples, and to seek their intercession (Revelation 8:3) while walking on the rough path of faith that leads to eternal life. One may choose to reflect on the life of their own patron saint - the saint whose name they bear: John, Peter, Joseph etc. One may also choose to reflect on the life of the patron Saint of their parish: St Peter, St Anthony, St Paul, St Therese etc.
No one should ever be discouraged on the path of holiness by the weaknesses or waywardness of another Christian - not even of a church leader. This is why the Bible says that the wheat will be separated from the weeds only on the day of harvest (Mathew 13:30); and also that the Last Jugdement shall begin from the Temple of God (Ezekiel 9:4-6).
EASY TO BE A SAINT?
However, in contemplating the lives of legendary saints like St Stephen, St John, St Peter, St Paul and others - with all their trials, persecutions and sacrifices - many are tempted to ask such questions as: Who in these days of ours can pay the price they paid in their own days? How can one become a saint in this present world, which is ordered and ruled by sin? Is it possible to live in holiness and to become a saint in this corrupt and sinful world? The answer to all these questions is "YES". And it may even be more surprising to know that in a world where sin and iniquity are so rampant and widespread, it's much easier for faithful believers to become saints.
This is so because every little effort they make towards holiness is instantly rewarded with the grace to do more. Let us take the example of a class of all-dull students: those who make just little efforts are promoted and, sometimes, without even scoring the pass mark. But in a class where many students are intelligent, the dull ones have no hope of promotion to the next class. This is what the scripture means where it says: "Law was introduced in order to increase wrongdoing; but where sin increased, God's grace increased much more" (Romans 5:20-21); and also, "Go through the whole city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the forehead of everyone who is distressed and troubled because of all the disgusting things being done in the city" (Ezekiel 9:4).
THE TRUTH ABOUT SAINTS
Now before we begin to define and to mark out The Way of the Saints, let us understand two important truths: The first is that saints do not really become - in strict sense of the word - but rather, they are made by God (Heb 12:23). Therefore, as the scripture says in Romans 12:1-2, the key is to "offer yourself as a living sacrifice dedicated to God and pleasing to him". Then God will give you, through Christ, all the graces needed to live in his holiness (Romans 3:22-24). And this is the meaning of what Jesus Christ said in Mark 10:27, "This (salvation) is impossible for human beings but not for God; everything is possible for God".
The second thing is that sainthood is not reserved for a particular race of people - it is a universal vocation. As the scripture says in Genesis 1:26-27: God created human beings in his own image and likeness. This means that all who lost their divine nature through the sin of Adam (original sin) are entitled to regain it through the merits of Jesus Christ. The scripture puts this very clearly in John 3:16, "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life".
Therefore, everyone is eligible and the only qualification is faith. But it is easier to believe than to practice what we believe, but believing without acting would produce neither fruits nor attract any rewards - that is the problem. And this is why the scriptures say that , "faith is made perfect through action" and that "faith without action is dead" (James 2:22, 26).
Having said these, the question that remains is: where does the journey of the saints begin and what is the path to follow?
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
In reality the starting point for every saint is conversion, which consists of both the confession and the renunciation of sin - that is, repentance. Since everyone is a sinner (Romans 3:23), no one can truly seek the holiness of God without, first of all, acknowledging their sinfulness. So it is written:"You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you"(Proverbs 28:13; and also, Acts 3:19-20, Leviticus 5:5 and John 1:19). And the confession of sins does not profit us until we also forgive those who have offended us (Mathew 6:14-15; 18:33-35).
About conversion, it is important to highlight the sins of omission which are, most often, either taken so lightly or totally ignored. It is written that: the one who fails to do what is good is just as guilty of sin as the one who does what is evil (James 4:17, Proverbs 24:11-12, 1 John 3:16, Habakkuk 1:23). And it is also written, "To whom much is given, much will be required" (Luke 12:48). These scriptures imply that we are held responsible for what we have. Therefore, if we are blessed with mercy, faith, talents, skills, money, property, knowledge, authority, power, time, and the like; we are expected to also use these things to bless others.
Finally, it is worthy of note that conversion is not a single act, but a continuous process - the holier we become the more sinful and unworthy we see ourselves. It is like moving from the darkness to the light - the closer you are to the light, the more you see yourself being dirty, imperfect, and unworthy.
THE TRAP OF INDIFFERENCE
Indifference is, therefore, a very dangerous trap for all believers; and sins of omission are real obstacles on The Way of the Saints. That is why Jesus Christ said that it is very difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God (Mark 10:23). And so it may seem unjust for God to condemn the rich man - on the account for his own wealth - for not being attentive to the needs of poor Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31).
But this simply teaches us that wealth - both spiritual and material - is freely given by God for the benefit of all. No one really merits, but God simply appoints some people to hold the wealth in trust for everyone. And so no one can rightly claim ownership of anything. This is why in the Final Judgment (Mathew 25:31-46), we find that the criteria of qualification for the Kingdom of God are based all on the one thing: attentiveness to the needs of others.F
THE TWO-EDGED PATH
rom the starting point of conversion, the saint-to-be steps courageously onto the rough pathway of faith (Mathew 7:14), walking steadily between its two edges which are love on one hand (1 John 4:19-21), and sacrifice on the other (Hebrews 13:16). The edge of love consists of obedience and submission to God, as well as tolerance and forgiveness of others. For as Christ became like man by the love of man, man can only become like Christ by the love of God and of neighbor.
The edge of sacrifice is formed of selflessness, attentiveness, charity and care for others - and this includes the sacrifice of prayers for others (Ephesians 6:18). For as Christ sacrificed his life on the Cross for our sake, so we too must make sacrifices for the benefit of others, in order to reap the rewards of Christ's sacrifice.
These sacrifices are called the corporal works of mercy, which are to: feed the hungry (Mathew 25:35), give drink to the thirsty (Mathew 25:35), clothe the naked (Mathew 25:36), shelter the homeless (Mathew 25:35), visit the sick (Mathew 25:36), visit the imprisoned (Matthew 25:36), bury the dead (Tobit 1:17-19). There are also the spiritual works of mercy, which are to: admonish the sinner (Luke 17:3), instruct the ignorant (Mark 16:15), counsel the doubtful (Mark 9:23-24), bear wrongs patiently (Mathew 5:38-48), forgive offences willingly (Mathew 6:14-15), comfort the afflicted (1 Peter 5:6-10), pray for the living (Ephesians 6:18), and for the dead (2 Maccabees 12 :43-45).
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| SAINT PETER SAINT AND PAUL |
LOVE YOUR VOCATION
So, it is not actually the manifestation of spiritual gifts - healing, preaching, prophecy etc, or the show of great works - miracles , signs and wonders - but the manifestation of divine love for others that qualifies believers for the Kingdom of Heaven. (Mathew 7:21-23). Yes, all these things will pass away, but love is immortal (1 Corinthians 13:13), and profits in eternal life.
You do not even need to be a religious leader, Church minister or servant in the Church - to qualify. No, let your ordinary vocation as a public or private worker, employer or employee, trader or professional, wife or husband, politician or layman, be the nursery for you to shoot up and grow into the holiness of God. This is done by always serving others with selflessness* (Phillipians 2:3-4), by giving love to those whom we serve and by being compassionate, tolerant, and patient in the relationships we have with others.
*This does not imply working for no pay. No - to earn a decent salary for work or profits from doing business is legitimate. But to make money by embezzlement, bribery, corruption, exploitation of the poor, fraudulent deals, scamming, and other forms of duplicity is sinful.
YOUR WALKING STICK
The way of the saints is so rough and slippery that no one can successfully navigate it without a walking stick. The essential staff to use on The Way of the Saints is made of humility (Phillipians 2:5-8) and poverty in the spirit (Mathew 5:3). By humility we submit and surrender to God, who becomes our strength and support through all the trials and temptations we meet (James 4:10). And by acknowledging that we have nothing - no power or merit of our own - God is able to grant us all the graces we need to pursue and complete the journey to eternal life (James 4:6).
SUPPLIES FOR STRENGTH
As the saying goes, "the higher you go the colder it becomes"; so, too, one can say here that, "the closer you are to God, the greater your challenges in the world". But this is not a fatality, for conscious of this, God has provided on The Way of the Saints many fountains of grace, so that anyone who hungers may have what to eat and anyone who thirsts may have what to drink. The grace of God is, therefore, what nourishes, empowers and sustains every believer on the way to eternal life (Psalm 23:1-5, John 15:5, Romans 3:24). Let us visit the channels of grace from God.
1. The Word of God.
We cannot love God whom we don't know - God is revealed in his Word (John 1:1-3, 14, 18). And the Word of God is not only the way to God (John 14:6), he is also the life (John 14:6) and the light (John 1:4) of God. The Word is, therefore, the foundation of our Faith, Hope and Love in God. These are the three cardinal virtues which uphold believers on their way to eternal life.
The Word of God cleanses the hearts of the sinner (John 15:3) and liberates their soul (John 8:31-32) from slavery. Because the Holy Spirit is the giver of the Word, the Word also becomes the conductor (or carrier) of the Holy Spirit, who gives us the life of God to live (John 6:63). Thus, it is by studying (reading and meditating) the Word of God day and night (Joshua 1:8) that we find the direction, the motivation and the strength to follow God and live according to his will.
2. The Holy Spirit.
The statement made by Jesus Christ in John 3:5-6 is very clear and concise: No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. A person is born physically of human parents, but is born spirituality of the Spirit. In fact, Jesus Christ is the one who gives us life in the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16, John 4:14) so that we may truly fellowship with God who is purely Spirit (John 4:24). Therefore, whoever is called a Christian or child of God must be filled, animated and ruled by the Holy Spirit.
In reality, God reveals himself (John 15:26) and manifests his presence in the Holy Spirit (John 4:24). And by the same Spirit he teaches and makes his will known (John 16:13), by intuition, revelation, inspiration and intimation. The Holy Spirit is our Helper when we are weak, and our Comforter when were we are oppressed or distressed (John 14:16-17). As the Advocate, the Holy Spirit helps us to pray according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27). And, so, it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we may become true witnesses for Jesus Christ - in words and deeds - wherever we are, in whatever we do, and in every day we live (Acts 1:8).
The Holy Spirit also gives us the power to overcome Satan, his agents and all their evil (Luke 10:19). And from him we receive the grace and authority to manifest various spiritual gifts (Mark 16:17-18) - all for the glory of God .
But how does one receive the Holy Spirit? In reality, the first conditions and means to receive the Holy Spirit are love, desire and prayer (Acts 4:31).
And considering the importance of the Holy Spirit the Catholic Church officially administers the Sacrament of Confirmation (John 20:21-22), to give the Holy Spirit on those who have received the Baptism of Water. Unfortunately, most candidates who receive the flame of the Holy Spirit through Confirmation do not keep the fire burning in them through love, fellowship and prayer.
The Holy Spirit may also be received by the believer through effusion. Here, a Christian or group of Christians, who have already received the Holy Spirit, pray and lay hands on the ones who are longing and prepared to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15-17). This is, usually, the practice followed by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal help new members receive baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire.
Warning: The Holy Spirit is spirit, but not every spirit is holy spirit (1 John 4:1, Acts 8:9-11; Matthew 24:24). So, for your safety, do not allow someone - who is not recognized or authorized by the Church - to lay their hands on your head!
Finally, in preparation to receive the Holy Spirit or after receiving the Holy Spirit, there are four important activities necessary for spiritual growth:
(i) Constant reading and meditation on the Word of God helps us to grow in the life of the Holy Spirit (John 6:63).
(ii) Fellowship in the Church (and in Church groups) helps us to encourage one another in the faith, and also to fan the fire of the Holy Spirit in the members - especially, those who are weaker (Hebrews 10:25, Acts 1:14, 2: 1-4),
(Iii) Using the gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit, generously, to serve the Church or Christian community (1 Corinthians 12:4-5), is a means to grow richer in the life of the Holy Spirit. Regrettably, some who received the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Catholic Church turned back to "bite the finger that fed them". They criticized the Church, and left to create their own "churches" or to join others. And so the Holy Spirit, instead of being their way into the Church, became their way out of the Church. What a pity!
(Iv) Regular participation and partaking of the Eucharistic Sacrifice (Holy Mass) and the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament are essential for whoever receives the Holy Spirit, to remain united to the Body of Christ. This is so that the wind of spirits does not carry the receiver of the Holy Spirit away from the giver his giver - Jesus Christ (John 15:4-6). So, it has been noted that those who leave the Catholic Church following their effusion in the Holy Spirit, either ignore or dispise the Eucharist - and so they lost the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).
3. Confession.
The seven sacraments of the Church - Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick, and Confession - are all channels of divine grace. But let us highlight, here, the special benefits of Confession. Indeed, after the Holy Eucharist, Confession is the next most beautiful sacrament given to the Church for the salvation of souls.
But the benefits of Confession do not end there - others include: spiritual cleansing (1 John 1:8-9), reconciliation with God, healing of body and soul, restoration of life and blessings, spiritual counseling and encouragement from the priest, freedom from guilt (Romans 8:33) and, most importantly, the grace to persevere in the holiness of God. The faithful execution by the confessee of the penance prescribed by the confessor also cancels part, or the whole, of the punishment due for sins confessed. Confession is, therefore, an essential part of the preparation necessary for one to partake worthily and profitably of the Holy Eucharist.
However, effective Confession does not just end in the privacy of the confessional - wherever possible the confessee should try to humbly and openly confess to those offended by the sins committed, ask for their forgiveness and, if possible, make reparations for pain and injuries suffered, or restitutions of properties lost, by the victims.
Sinners (whom we are) should not be afraid of humiliation; for sharing in the shame of Christ (Matthew 27:29-31) is an easy and sure means to salvation. Thus, when Zacchaeus openly confessed his guilt and promised to restitute what he had illicitly gotten, Jesus told him at once, "Salvation has come to your house today" (Luke 19:7-9). Likewise, when one of the thieves who were crucified with Jesus Christ openly confessed and repented, it did not take the Lord one second to open the door of heaven for him. And what the sinner had requested to receive in the future was given to him in the present (Luke 23:40-43). What a merciful God, we have?
Seeing this, then, how foolish it would be, for us sinners to win praises from human beings in order to receive condemnation from God ! Why do you want to die of your sins when Someone has already died in your place? (John 18:30) And why do you want to keep on carrying your burden when Someone is waiting and ready to take it away (Mathew 11:28)?
4. Holy Mass
The Eucharist (Body of Christ) is both the means of our salvation (John 3:16-17) and the source of our Christian life (John 6:51,53-54). It is the Holy Eucharist that redeems, nourishes and sustains the Church in her mission to save the world. For, by the mysterious process of transubstantiation ordinary bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:19-20). The Eucharist Sacrifice (Holy Mass), therefore, takes away sins - the sins of the Church and the sins of the world (Leviticus 5:5-6; 17:11, Mathew 26:28). That's why we are invited to regularly offer Masses to pray for both the living (Ephesians 6:18) and the dead (2 Macabees 12:43-45).
Then the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) nourishes and sustains both the Church, as the body of Christ, and every Christian who receives it (John 6:53-57). Every Christian ought to desire the Eucharist and try to fulfill the conditions required to receive it, - and not just occasionally, but everyday.
Warning: Do not take Holy Communion in a state of sin or impurity (of mind, heart, or soul) - the consequences may be grievous and irreversible (John 13:26-27, 1 Corinthians 11:26-30).
5.The Blessed Sacrament
The Blessed Sacrament is the living specimen of the most holy Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ (John 6:51). In the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament we obtain relief from our burdens (Mathew 11:28), as well as consolation, peace of mind, and fulfillment in life (Matthew 6:35). The regular adoration of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament is, therefore, a veritable means of healing, restoration, sanctification, fortification, benediction and spiritual fulfillment.
6. The Crucifix
The Crucifix is the symbol of the the Crucifixion or Death of Jesus Christ on the Cross (John 19:17-18), which is the means of salvation (John 3:14-15) and the way to eternal life (Hebrews 10:19-20). In fact, it is the memorial of this Eternal Sacrifice which is celebrated as the Holy Mass (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
The Crucifix is, therefore, the testimony of the victory (Colossians 2:15) of Jesus Christ on the Cross for the salvation (John 3:14-15), redemption (Colossians 2:13-14), purification (Hebrew 13:12-13), healing (Isaiah 53:5)), and deliverance (Mathew 27:51-53) of the world, in the fulfillment (John 19:30) of God's holy will. This is why the Crucifix is, and will ever remain, the emblem of the Catholic Church.
The comtemplation and veneration of the Crucifix, with meditation on the Passion and Death of Jesus on the Cross is a powerful and effective means of liberation from sin, satanic bondage, and all forms of spiritual and physical afflictions. This exercise can also be done during the commoration of the Passion of Christ; also called the Stations of the Cross (John 3:14-15, 1 Corinthians 1:23-24, Hebrews 12:24, Hebrews 13:12-13 and Colossians 2:12-15)
Considering that the power of God is revealed in the Crucifix (1 Corinthians 1:18), the veneration of the Holy Cross should be an everyday exercise - and not done just on September 14 (feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross) or on the last Sunday of the Church year, which is the Feast of Christ the King.
7. Spiritual Sacrifices
Spiritual sacrifices, such as: keeping virgil nights in prayer, fasting, self-denial, self-mortification, detachment from the world, spiritual retreat and meditation, as well as solemn dedication or consecration to the service of God (1 Peter 2:5, Romans 12:1-2), produce extraordinary spiritual benefits for eternal life.
8. The Immaculate Heart of Mary
The Immaculate Heart of Mary is the fundamental channel of grace for the Church. This is so because it is through the Virgin Mary that Jesus Christ - the Savior of the world (John 3:16) the Giver of grace (John 1:17) - was born (Luke 1:35). This is why the Virgin Mary is called the Mother of Divine Grace, and is regularly invoked in all the rites and prayers of the Church.
Every mystery meditated upon is a fountain of grace which enlightens, cleanses, nourishes and sustains the Pilgrim Church on the way to the way to the Triumphant Church in heaven.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary is, therefore, the Catapult with which we release the Word of God, given by the Holy Spirit, to overcome Satan and to destroy all evils, trials and temptations of life (1 Samuel 17:40, 48--50).
9. Angels and Saints
The angels of God are spirit beings whose mission is to assist those who thirst for salvation, that they may overcome the many trials and temptations they face in their Christian lives (Hebrews 1:14).
The angels help the faithful to fight against Satan and other demonic spirits (Revelation 12:7-8). They guide and lead (Exodus 23:20), and direct us to know and do the will of God (Luke 1:31- 35, Matthew 1:20, Acts 8:26). The angels also deliver and heal (Tobit 3 :16-17), and strengthen us when we are weak or tired (Luke 22:43). We have personal or guardian angels, who guide and protect us (Psalm 91:11-12), but need to invoke them in our daily prayers to receive their assistance.
Warning : Because the fallen angels are satanic it is very dangerous to call angels by their names, except those who are officially recognized and honored by the Catholic Church; namely: St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael.
As for saints in heaven, the first benefits one may receive from them are: inspiration and encouragement. Most people are, consciously or unconsciously, named after the saints - just like churches or parishes are. This is not accidental - those saints have roles to play in the lives of those who bear their names.
Also, in comtemplating the lives of the Saints, we find out that none of them had an easy way. Some even started off far worse than we are, and others suffered more trials, persecutions and temptations than we have ever known. But if they made it to heaven; then, for us it is easy to say "Yes, we can". This is, exactly, what the 44th American President - Barack Obama - said, when he started his journey to the White House. And so through the power of his affirmation he made it, and ruled America for two terms - from 2008 to 2016 (The Messiah Conquers the White House, Aying Godman, iUniverse, 2013). How can the same affirmation and ambition which made the humble African American, Barack Obama, to become the President of the United States, not also make us, poor sinners, to become the Saints of God in heaven !
Finally, the Saints intercede for us when we invoke them in our prayers (Revelation 8:3).
10. Prayer
WELCOME TO PARADISE
Having consecrated ourselves, dedicated our actions and surrendered our will to God we, after our own death, and by means of the Death of Jesus Christ, are led into the holy presence of God (Matthew 27:51-52, Hebrews 10:19-20). There we enter in to the joy of the Triumphant Church in heaven (Hebrews 12:23).
The saints, just as the angels, share in the glory of God ( Colossians 1:12) and live in a state of eternal happiness (called bliss), satisfaction and fulfillment (Revelation 7:16-17 ). In heaven the saints spend their eternity in the adoration, praise and worship of God. (Revelation 7:9-12).
As already mentioned, the saints make up the redeemed segment of the Holy Catholic Church. And as such, they contribute to the salvation of the Pilgrim Church (church on earth), through their inspiration to the living and intercession for sinners (Revelation 8:4).
May the eternal glory of God, reflected in the lives of the Saints, cover the Pilgrim Church and draw more souls into the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). Amen.
Author: Aying Godman, is a Catechist, Evangelist & Blogger of the Roman Church; Founder of CATHOLIC FRONT MEDIA™
Email: ayinggodman@gmail.com
Copyright (c) Aying Godman - Catholic Front Media (2021-2022) All rights reserved.
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