Written by: Madeleine Gubbels

One saint (I cannot remember who) once said that we are not saints because we do not will it. I have treasured that observation because it reminds me that heaven is within our grasp — indeed, sanctity is within our grasp — if we will have it.

Sanctity is a choice. It also happens to be the best and most rational choice, although we tend to forget this. Often, it seems, one must choose sanctity in a split second. It can take less than a second to decide not to eat that extra cookie you are raising to your mouth even though you are quite full. It can take less than a second to decide not to click on that link on the internet that will only lead you to fill your head with foolish or empty or perhaps even sinful thoughts. It can take less than a second to decide that instead of dwelling in a puddle of morose or angry spirits, you open your heart a little to Jesus’ desire to bring you light, peace, joy, and good cheer.

Do we wish to be saints? Of course we do, for the alternative, we know, is to live an unhappy, unfulfilled life, slaves to our own selfish desires and habits. How much do we want a happy, fulfilled life, though? Will we give it all our will-power? Will we choose Jesus and His loving will for us in the split second? Will we at least take a moment now and then to ask Him to be merciful and give us the grace to respond to His grace to be a saint?

May God bless us, and grant us courage and perseverance, patience and gentleness.

—

You are invited to attend our event “Be a Saint! – A Christian Battle Plan for a Society in Crisis” featuring Dr. Peter Kreeft in Toronto, Ontario on June 8th.

Read about the Saints – visit our Saints section.