Very few people have inspired me more on my faith journey than Pope Saint John Paul II. He has been a trusted companion, powerful intercessor, and source of encouragement for many years and will be for years to come.

On the other hand, there are very few people that I relate to less than the beloved Saint. He experienced the sorrow of losing both of his parents before the age I’ve reached. He enrolled in an underground seminary during the height of World War II and left behind a promising acting career. He impacted the Church in a profound way through his time as pontiff and continues to do so through his legacy and intercession.

When I look at my life, I don’t see many similarities. I most definitely will not be the pope, I don’t have a promising acting career to leave behind, and my parents are just fine. Regardless of our lack of shared experience, though, I have cultivated a heavenly friendship with Saint John Paul II because our lives have one stunning similarity: belief in the promises of Jesus Christ.

In today’s Gospel, the crowd asks Jesus, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” to which He responds, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent” (John 6:28-29).

My dear friend, our lives are a work of God. Our holiness is not measured by the degree to which we relate to the holy people we know, but the degree to which we allow our belief in Jesus to illuminate and transform our lives.

My life may not look like the lives of the Saints I admire, but I hope and I pray that it looks like the dream Jesus has for me. He is writing a story with each one of our lives; one that cannot be repeated or replicated, but one that uniquely gives Him glory.

For you and I, sister, let us let our lives be a testament to His goodness, now and forever. Won't you join me to work to accomplish the work of God?

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[bctt tweet="He is writing a story. // Kelsey Dassance " username="blessedisshe__"]

Lord Jesus, illuminate my life.