The Saints as Friends
I can't remember not knowing about the Communion of Saints within our Catholic Tradition. I even had a collection of saint statues lined up on a ledge built for just this purpose in my bedroom Oh yes, there was a collection of dolls up there as well. It made for an interesting mix to contemplate in my young mind.
We think of the saints - the ones officially recognized - as holier than holy. We forget they were really human both blessed and broken. Within this reality, they responded to God's grace and engaged their lives for the sake of the Gospel.
Within the history of the Dominican Order, we have many Saints, beginning with our Holy Father, Dominic. We have Saints who have also been named Doctors of the Church, Albert the Great and his student, Thomas Aquinas, as well as Catherine of Siena. These just name a few.
In reality, there are many saints, most unknown to most of us, who lived faithful lives. This is true within the Order of Preachers and within our own families. I think of the saints as friends who continue to show us the way: the way of faith, the way to holiness in spite of our own messy lives, and the way to Christ who uses us despite what we may consider messy.
Is there a Saint that comes to mind for you? What do you know about them? More importantly, why are you aware of them? Perhaps they desire to be your friend, showing you the way to a closer relationship with Christ.
Roberta A. Popara, O.P.
North Palm Beach, FL.
We think of the saints - the ones officially recognized - as holier than holy. We forget they were really human both blessed and broken. Within this reality, they responded to God's grace and engaged their lives for the sake of the Gospel.
Within the history of the Dominican Order, we have many Saints, beginning with our Holy Father, Dominic. We have Saints who have also been named Doctors of the Church, Albert the Great and his student, Thomas Aquinas, as well as Catherine of Siena. These just name a few.
In reality, there are many saints, most unknown to most of us, who lived faithful lives. This is true within the Order of Preachers and within our own families. I think of the saints as friends who continue to show us the way: the way of faith, the way to holiness in spite of our own messy lives, and the way to Christ who uses us despite what we may consider messy.
Is there a Saint that comes to mind for you? What do you know about them? More importantly, why are you aware of them? Perhaps they desire to be your friend, showing you the way to a closer relationship with Christ.
Roberta A. Popara, O.P.
North Palm Beach, FL.
Comments
Post a Comment