Study the Saints

Study the Saints:

As I write this post, four days into the New Year, I’m called to reflect upon what New Year’s Resolution I can make that will be the most beneficial for my family and myself. A word that’s inspiring and that comes to mind is “Saints.” Celebrating the Saints on their feast days is wonderful and has been a blessing to my family. My children have learned about various holy men, women, and children from all places of the world and times in history, and they have been able to try foods from various cultures. I love how the Catholic Church is universal! Matthew Kelly wrote a book entitled Rediscover the Saints that I read last year, and I believe it has been part of a catalyst that has taken me to the next level of learning about the Saints. Celebrating saintly feast days is wonderful, but taking the time to read the actual writings of the Saints can be an even bigger game changer and blessing in your life and the lives of your family members. To date, I’ve only read the Dairy of Saint Faustina and a book filled strictly with quotes from Saint Mother Teresa, but there are so many more treasures to glean from saintly writings. My mother once told me that to her the Catholic Church is like a mansion—-filled with endless doors to open that reveal treasures and wisdom to help you grow in your faith. The quote from Mother Teresa at the beginning of this post, is one that I have hanging in my kitchen. I read its words numerous times a day, my eyes just seem to gravitate to it. Every time I read the quote, I am reminded to make all tasks an opportunity to show love to my children and husband.

When Ignatius of Loyola was injured and lying in bed, he read a book about the Saints and it changed his life. It set alight a fire within his heart to live a holy life and ultimately changed his life so much that he became a Saint himself. The Saints themselves learned from one another. Mother Teresa is quoted as saying, “Do small things with great love.” How did she come to this realization? Through the writings of Saint Therese of Lisieux and her notion of the “Little Way”—that everything you do, even the smallest task, can be offered up to God. We are all called to holiness—to live lives that strive for sanctification—sainthood. How will studying the writings of the Saints change your life? Pick your favorite Saint and start reading some of their writings and you will see changes begin to happen in your life that will help strengthen and grow your relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What are you waiting for? Make reading the wisdom of the Saints your resolution and get started today!