I grew up reading “Lives of the Saints”. Those were some super-heroes. I remember their deaths never being all that appealing. I am one who would prefer to just drift off into sleep and never wake up. Somehow it wasn’t until adulthood that I learned that we are all called to be saints. Really??!! (I’m sure there must have been a few that drifted off into slumber besides Mary!)
I’ve learned that when married, aspirations of sainthood are much more challenging. Would any of you agree? There seem to be so many trials! The good news is that I found hope in one of the writings of St. Alphonsus Liguori*. Through tribulations, our souls are flooded with grace. Such trials are given because the Lord desires our welfare. They are a remedy, not a punishment. We must submit to His divine will and accept our trials joyfully, as did the Father’s beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Such trials are designed to keep us in prayer and help us grow in the virtues of humility, patience and submission to his will.
It is through trials and tribulations that the saints earned their glorious crowns. So the next time you are despairing of your trials, look to the Lord for consolation, persevere in prayer, and praise Him for the opportunity to become a saint.
In all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. Romans 8:37
And since we are all just a bunch of wimps, let’s continue to pray for all marriages, that they be strengthened, not crushed by tribulations, that spouses grow in virtue not vice, that anger is replaced by gentleness and compassion, and that by focusing on Christ, His love will give us the courage to live out His divine will for us.
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Call someone to sainthood. Forward to a friend.
*Magnificat: Vol 13 No. 16 p. 31
