The Secret to Sainthood

When we look at the lives of the Saints, the plan God had for each and every one was beautifully unique. Even still, humility bound them all together.

The definition of humility is “a modest or low view of one's importance”. This doesn’t mean a lack of confidence, nor does it mean a disregarding of ones achievements. Rather, it is knowing who is behind the things being accomplished. The saints knew who they belonged to. They recognized that Jesus could not effectively live in them until they humbled themselves. Their pride could not co-exist with God.

One saint who understood who she belonged to is St. Maria Goretti. When she was 11 years old an 18-year-old attempted to rape her. She warned him that it was a sin and that she would rather die than to submit. He stabbed Maria 14 times, leaving her fatally wounded. While in the hospital, she told her mother that she forgave her attacker and that she wished to see him in Heaven before passing away. She possessed great courage that gave her the strength to die for her faith, but it was her humility that allowed her to forgive the unforgivable. She recognized that forgiveness was not hers to withhold and opted for love instead.

Another example to look at is the Blessed Virgin. Mary’s famous words, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord” is something that people may easily dismiss because we have heard it time and time again. Notice, however, that any fear, doubt, or anxieties that could have been rooted in her were cast out by her obedience to the will of God. Obedience and humility go hand in hand, and by Mary recognizing that she is not her own, she submits unreservedly to accepting the Lord into her womb.

Just like Mary and the Saints, we are called to our own “yes” every single day. It doesn’t matter how big or small it may be; we are invited to be handmaids of the Lord. By trusting the God of the universe with no limitations or reserves, we will be able to demonstrate the character of Jesus to the world in a way that no one else can. Sainthood is not hinging on figuring out a complex formula, but instead, humbling ourselves.

“He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30

This blog was written by Morgan Ruscio (our first guest blog!). Thank you, Morgan!

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