“Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.” (Luke 6:20 – 23)
Why is it that saints need to suffer before they become “saints”? Think about it, beloved reader; have you ever heard of a saint who had not undergone some trial and/or tribulation? Now, I can’t keep up with all the people that have been declared saints – beatified is the term. But I am pretty sure that most all of them has some sort of situation that they had to persevere through. Of course, to officially be a saint your name/aspect has to have been responsible for a miracle when prayed to. This day, November 1st is the day that is set aside to remember the saints, both those known and unknown. So really, if there is someone in your own life that for you was an inspiration and helped you in your life, this is the day to remember and give thanks for that person. The blessing the received from the Divine is the reason you have received a blessing from them.
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
“Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry.
“Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep.
“Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.” (Verses 24 – 26)
It would seem, according to the writer of Luke, that Jesus Christ considers it an attribute to suffer; and the governing body who discerns and proclaims saints requires it. But . . . . Paul quite often writes “To the Saints at such and such” which we could take to mean that beatification may not the sole providence of religious authorities.
“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt.
Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again.
Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Verses 27 – 31)
Yes, suffering may lead to a path of sainthood. But each of the saints started out as “simple” believers of the Divine. We may not catch the attention of a governing church body that declares saints, but we will catch the attention of believers and non-believers alike with the way we live and live out the message of the Lord God and Jesus Christ.
“In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:11 – 14)
True saints, however, do not live saintly lives so they may be declared saints when their life is over. In fact, true saints do not think they are living in any sort of extraordinary way at all. They are simply living as they feel they ought, how the Divine has lead and directed them to. It is those who watch, observe, and monitor their lives that declare the degree of their goodness and sainthood.
“I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.” (Verses 15 – 18)
What’s more, some saints don’t even assume their lives and demeanor will automatically make them eligible for admission to heaven; in that they are right. Because it is not our own human power that gives us admission to heaven, but Christ’s intercession for us. Now, we as authentic Christians (and saints if we deserve that beatification) live in response to Christ’s intercession and the Lord God’s love for us.
“God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” (Verses 19 -23)
So I have to ask you, beloved reader, do you think you could be declared a saint? Would you want to be? Think and consider all of the people who have lived all over the world since Jesus Christ came to humanity and set for us an example that is beyond our reach. Think about how many people out of those potential millions that have been declared saints. Now, odds are you and I will NOT be declared saints by the religious institution(s) that make such declarations. And that is okay with me. Ironically Paul’s criteria for saints is not as stringent as established religious traditions. And the Divine’s criteria for sainthood is even less stringent – belief in the Lord God and Jesus Christ, living as good a Christian life as possible with all of our heart, mind, and strength, and a humble contrite spirit.
May you, beloved reader, as you remember and celebrate the “saints” that have passed from this life, remember that as well. Selah!