Dear people of St. Philip, how’s the season of Lent going for you? You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men? Perhaps your Lenten goals have fallen the way of your New Year's resolutions. Don't despair or fret. The Holy Spirit continues to shower us with the graces necessary to achieve those goals of conversion. In addition, the Spirit reminds us too of our heavenly brothers and sisters who led sinful lives prior to conversion and who inspire us to do more.
These saints also had others whose prayerful intercessions were helpful in bringing about their change to holiness. For example, St. Monica prayed for years for the conversion her son Augustine. Although a brilliant man, he led a life of sin and debauchery. He even had an illegitimate child. However, he met Ambrose, the bishop of Milan who challenged his faith and helped Augustine attain conversion. St. Monica's greatest hope and dream was realized prior to her death.
I know what you're thinking, how can I compare myself to the St Augustines or the St. Theresa of Calcuttas of the world? We accomplish that by remembering that they were human beings like us and that they too had their own sins and crosses to bear. This shows us that often God draws straight with crooked lines.
What perhaps separates us from the saints is that they were persistent and faithful. They did not give up. As St Paul tells Timothy, "I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." (2Tim 4:7) That passage says it all: persistence and perseverance. Or as Winston Churchill once said, "Never, never, NEVER . . . give up!!
There was one modern day saint who embodied these traits, St Therese of Lisieux. Knowing that she would always struggle to follow the holy paths of the great saints like Francis of Assisi, she discovered another way to achieve holiness and sainthood.
Her unique "little way" of spiritual childhood consisted of performing whatever little task was at hand with the intent of doing it with the deepest love for God. This deep devotion to God's love and mercy set her apart from the other saints, and she was recognized as a Doctor of the Church. Surely, following her simple path can be accomplished by anyone. It's simple, but not necessarily easy.
Remember living this life can be compared to running the Boston Marathon. Many run, but only one wins the race. But if you are like me, just finishing the race by running or at least walking must be considered a personal victory. I think our just finishing the race would bring a smile to our brother Jesus as well. Sincerely yours in Christ, Deacon John Sarabia.
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Dear people of St. Philip, how’s the season of Lent going for you? You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men? Perhaps your Lenten goals have fallen the way of your New Year's resolutions. Don't despair or fret. The Holy Spirit continues to shower us with the graces necessary to achieve those goals of conversion. In addition, the Spirit reminds us too of our heavenly brothers and sisters who led sinful lives prior to conversion and who inspire us to do more.These saints also had others whose prayerful intercessions were helpful in bringing about their change to holiness. For example, St. Monica prayed for years for the conversion her son Augustine. Although a brilliant man, he led a life of sin and debauchery. He even had an illegitimate child. However, he met Ambrose, the bishop of Milan who challenged his faith and helped Augustine attain conversion. St. Monica's greatest hope and dream was realized prior to her death.I know what you're thinking, how can I compare myself to the St Augustines or the St. Theresa of Calcuttas of the world? We accomplish that by remembering that they were human beings like us and that they too had their own sins and crosses to bear. This shows us that often God draws straight with crooked lines.What perhaps separates us from the saints is that they were persistent and faithful. They did not give up. As St Paul tells Timothy, "I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." (2Tim 4:7) That passage says it all: persistence and perseverance. Or as Winston Churchill once said, "Never, never, NEVER . . . give up!!There was one modern day saint who embodied these traits, St Therese of Lisieux. Knowing that she would always struggle to follow the holy paths of the great saints like Francis of Assisi, she discovered another way to achieve holiness and sainthood.Her unique "little way" of spiritual childhood consisted of performing whatever little task was at hand with the intent of doing it with the deepest love for God. This deep devotion to God's love and mercy set her apart from the other saints, and she was recognized as a Doctor of the Church. Surely, following her simple path can be accomplished by anyone. It's simple, but not necessarily easy.Remember living this life can be compared to running the Boston Marathon. Many run, but only one wins the race. But if you are like me, just finishing the race by running or at least walking must be considered a personal victory. I think our just finishing the race would bring a smile to our brother Jesus as well. Sincerely yours in Christ, Deacon John Sarabia.+++