The last few months have been a difficult time for the Catholic Church. It was heartbreaking to hear my kids ask me how people who are supposed to be leaders and witnesses of the Faith could do such horrible things. Thankfully, a week or two later, our family attended a Catholic conference in Southern California. Walking through the large hall, we saw numerous faithful priests, sisters and religious in their various habits. My youngest stared wide-eyed and wanted to know if they were all real or just in costume, like a Catholic comic-con. I laughed and assured him that they were real.
During the conference, I stopped at some of the booths and talked to the religious. It was especially heartwarming to see so many young ones, but in all of them I noticed that beyond the habit, there was a peaceful beauty in their smiles, their manner, and the way they interacted with other people. Seeing their joy was a balm to my weary soul. I thanked God for their witness.
Later, I knelt in prayer before Jesus and I could hear God reminding my heart that I am called to that same kind of witness. I am called to holiness, first for the salvation of my own soul, and second to be a witness to the souls God has placed around me—my family, my friends, the people I interact with throughout my day. I may not be wearing a religious habit, but I am striving to be clothed in a robe of charity and virtue.
That is intimidating because I am so far from being holy, but Jesus knows that. He doesn’t expect me to be perfect. He does expect me to try to live a life of heroic virtue in my little corner of the world.
When we think of the Saints, sometimes we picture grand gestures of faith or legendary acts of martyrdom, but for most of them, sainthood came from the day-in and day-out living of the Faith consistently. That was their road to sainthood. They had faults to overcome, crosses to carry, and evil times in their histories. However, they continued to walk the narrow road with their eyes focused on Our Lord. Happy All Saints Feast Day. Ora pro nobis!
Their call to holiness is not exclusive. That road to sainthood is before us now. How is God calling you to live in greater holiness today?
Bobbi Rol is a wife, mama and blogger living on the Monterey Bay in CA with her husband, teen daughter, and three rambunctious boys. When she is not dodging light sabers or stepping on Legos, she can be found outside with her family, catching a late night movie, or decorating her planner. You can find out more about her here.
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