Honoring the Saints is a way to recognize God’s work in a person’s life and celebrate it. So, when we honor a saint, we are simply recognizing the remarkable things God has done in their lives. A Saint is the testament to God’s faithfulness and devotion they reveal to us God’s love and salvation. Through their suffering and what they have endured in their lives they can empathize with people in their struggles. We do not worship Saints this is reserved exclusively for God.
When we pray to a Saint, we are asking them to intercede for us with God on their behalf because of their closeness to God. We look to emulate their virtues and gain guidance in living a more Christ-like life. We see them as role models, spiritual guides, and mentors. Thay have faced challenges and overcome them through faith. Their stories can serve as an inspiration and guidance for our spiritual journey. We may pray to a specific saint to intercede to Christ for us, because of our need at the time. Mary the mother of Jesus is called upon often as she holds a unique and revered position among all the Saints. She is seen as the Spiritual Mother of all, standing for the caring intercessory role she is for all of us through Christ.
As a side, I would believe as you read this, you can think of a member of your family, friend or a wisdom figure who has touched your life for the very same reason. They are our living saints here on earth or already with Christ in their eternal home. In the Bible James 5:16 tells “Christians to pray for one another, St Paul teaches that death does not separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Many cultures honor their elderly. Often as young people we are taught to honor our grandparents, aunts, and uncles. I know I was taught to have a deep respect for them and to reverence who they are.
After pondering on the Saints, I was delighted to come across Pope Francis general audience in St. Peters’ Square at the Vatican, speaking on the Saints.
I will share a few excerpts from his talks:
Pope Francis said, “The lives of the Saints, served as a reminder that “God never abandons us” and in times of trial and suffering, he “sends one of the angels to comfort us and fill us with consolation.”
The Pope reflected on the intercession of the Saints who are, “older brothers and sisters who have gone along our same path (gone through) our same struggles and live forever in God’s embrace.” “We are not alone, the church is made up of innumerable brothers and sisters, often anonymous, who have preceded us and who, through the actions of the Holy Spirit participate in the affairs of those who still live here.”
… “Even when we rely fully on the intercession of a Saint, or even more so that of the Virgin Mary our trust only has value in relation to Christ.”
The Pope pointed out that Saints do not “work miracles,” but are merely the vessels through which the grace of God works.
The Pope ends, “May the Lord give us the grace to believe so profoundly in him that we become images of Christ for the world.”
You may wish to ponder on a Saint, or a Wisdom person who has touched your life deeply?
Sister Virgina Matter, OSB is a member of St. Paul’s Monastery (since 1957). She worked in nursing and in pastoral ministry. Virginia has done significant preparation in the areas of spirituality, Centering Prayer, Bio-Spiritual Focusing, retreats, and Spiritual Direction. She also has experience in pottery and Native American creative arts.