We often think of Saints, paradoxically as models of the very best humanity has to offer, and often at the same time, as pretentious do-gooders who view with disdain the normal rough-and-tumble of modern life. Well, which is it?
For that I have no answer beyond pointing those interested to a wonderful book by Father James Martin, “My Life With The Saints.” A great read.
But it is interesting to ask, what does it take to be a Saint in the best use of that term? What does it take to be a Saint if we define a Saint, “as a person who is recognized as having an exceptional degree of holiness, likeness, or closeness to God”, as someone who is “virtuous, kind, or patient”?
Ronald Rolheiser’s formula gives a powerful answer… “To be a saint is to be fueled by gratitude, nothing more and nothing less.”
Where do Saints find gratitude? Everywhere. In all things. The exact same two places they seem to find God.
Looking for ways to get into the habit of practicing gratitude? Here are a few ideas:
- Watch this recent service to learn ways that practicing gratitude simplifies our life.
- Participate in this upcoming book club reading 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp focused around developing a gratitude practice.
- Read this previous blog post “Resting in Gratitude”
