EXTRAORDINARILY ordinary
I find it easier to believe that certain people, especially those known as saints, are endowed with special superpowers, or at least amazing graces from God, which empower them to become wonderful individuals. It is more difficult to accept the fact that nothing spectacular or out of the ordinary is part of the equation for sainthood. Each of us, as a follower of Jesus Christ, is called to this vocation and each is uniquely well-equipped to succeed. Ironically, this very ordinary simplicity is what I find daunting to put into practice.
By definition, a saint is a “holy one,” someone who is set apart for God's special purposes. Each of us has been created for a special purpose. We have our own gifts & talents. As we move toward the goal of sainthood during our lives on earth, the assignment is to learn how to best use these gifts to the glory of God and in service to our fellow citizens. We each do this in a way specific to the calling and mission that Christ has entrusted to us. This is our journey toward our ultimate heavenly destination. The definition of a saint that has stayed with me over the years is “someone who does the ordinary, extraordinarily well.” And, I might add, is COMMITTED to living life by that motto.
Let us take comfort in the fact that we are not solo travelers on this journey toward saintliness. We are interconnected and believe that one member’s actions can benefit others through acts of charity and love. This fellowship, this communion of saints, is the spiritual solidarity which binds together the faithful on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven, within the mystical body of Christ. This is a fundamental belief in Catholic theology that recognizes the interconnectedness of all members of the Church, whether they are living on earth, in purgatory, or in heaven.
What great news…we are not alone in this holy pursuit! So, then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone (Ephesians 2:19-20).
Our lifelong journey toward sainthood and heaven requires us to be witnesses to our faith as living, breathing symbols of love and hope to others. If the lives of our named saints tell us anything, this process is not a holier-than-thou endeavor, but rather a better-than-yesterday plan.
One of my daily reflections this week urged me to ask Mother Mary (my glorious patron Saint!) to remind me that she will not compel me to be a saint by force. Her desire is that day by day, through my own self-denials, I will be led closer to holiness. Why not turn daily to your patron/special saint and ask for the same?
Among my favorite words of wisdom from Saint Therese of Lisieux: the world is your ship, not your home. We are on a continual journey and must make use of our lives on earth as a vehicle to draw us closer to heaven. How we live each day truly matters. With every passing year, this makes more sense to me. I find hope in anticipating the better way in a heavenly kingdom, rather than placing my trust in earthly solutions.
Still…I must strive daily to live that “better way.” How? Through my prayers, in service to others, and with love for all. By keeping things simple and performing to the best of my ability…in my own extraordinarily ordinary way…holiness will grow.
Saints are the epitome of holiness in the ordinary.
They are proof that our everyday lives are fertile ground for heaven.