Saints

Dearest Ones,

Recently, I had a conversation with a friend, who said he's just trying to get to Purgatory, heaven is too much to expect, at least right away. But that isn't what St. Paul said,"All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I, too, may have a share in it. Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win." (Cor. 9:24) It seems to me Paul's words tell us to run as to win the race, not to take second place. It doesn't matter what earthly titles we may have had, whether its the King of Pop or some unknown soldier dying for his country, we all need the same Savior because all are sinners. St. Paul won the race, he gained the prize by rejoicing in three things: he kept the faith, he fought a good fight and finished his course. He heard the voice of the Master calling him to change his life and he followed that call.Ever wonder why I often pass along to you the life of a saint? It's because I want to be a saint and I want you to be a saint, too. The saints show us how to get to heaven. God wants me to be a saint. He wants me to be in heaven, just as He wants all of you to be there, and to get to heaven we must be saints. God is expecting us. Didn't He say, "I go to prepare a place for you?" (John 15:3-4) It is our responsibility to God and to our parents to become saints. I think everyone wants to be a saint because it is God who puts that desire in our hearts. We all want to become holy. There is an unseen hunger to be with God forever and we won't be happy until we are with Him. There are millions of saints in heaven. Just because they're not canonized doesn't mean they're not there. There are so many unknown heroes from the wars who gave their lives for others that nobody knows about. If someone gives their life for another they go to heaven, just as Jesus said, "There is no greater love than to give one's life for another." Parents who sacrifice their lives for their children are saints. Saints are heroes. They live a heroic life for love of God and others. God sends the Holy Spirit to nudge them to holiness...it's God who does the work...who sends the grace, but each person has to be open to say "yes" to holiness. Just like war heroes, saints come in all shapes and sizes. No two are alike. God deals with each soul in a different way because He created them unique with different talents, dreams, hopes and gifts. He made each of us for a specific work in this world and when it is finished, He will call us home.The one thing all saints have in common is prayer, and they prayed often. They talked to God every chance they could. They didn't stop doing their work - they included God in it. They prayed in good times and bad times. They prayed in health and in sickness, and they never stopped thanking Him for all His gifts.So each morning we start a new day. Why not start the day by asking God to make you holy? You know what? He can't refuse....because it's why he created us!Today is a great day to be a saint...be a great one...by doing something little with great love.

Jesus, make my family and friends holy.
Sister Francelle