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JMJ
"The ways of holiness are many, according to the vocation of each individual. . . The time has come to re-propose wholeheartedly to everyone this high standard of ordinary Christian living: the whole life of the Christian community and of Christian families must lead in this direction. " (Novo Millenio Ineunte, St. John Paul II)
What are we living for? What is our life's ambition? There must and need be only one answer: to be a saint. If we yearn for heaven, then this is only pathway leading to it. This purpose must inform all that one does; it must direct his thoughts, words, and actions. It gives us pause, and should prompt us to pray, before we impetuously proceed. When first arising, does one dread the inevitable burdens which will be thrust upon him throughout the day? Or rather, does he see his day as one that offers numerous opportunities to practice the many virtues needed to reach his ultimate destination- heaven. Does one grumble in those difficult moments or does he think to thank God that He affords him many occasions to chink away at the hardness of his heart.
The vocation to sanctity is shared by all the baptized and God generously calls each person to a specific vocation to attain this goal. In marriage, a man is not only given his wife so that he may become a saint, but equally important, he is given to her so that she may become a saint. The same truth holds for his children as well. The frigidity of selfishness melts away in the fiery zeal of those- united in the same pursuit, joyously compete in their sacrificial acts for the other. In aspiring to holiness, one patterns his whole life, and puts his whole being into achieving his goal. He, of course, will fall often in this quest, but being mindful of Mother Theresa's saying that a "saint is a sinner who keeps trying", he will not only persevere, but will also lift those around him to the same noble pursuit.
