Monday 12^th October – Monday of week 28 of the year

Reflection: Romans 1: 1-7

CALLED TO BE SAINTS

Despite the widespread acceptance of the Christian faith, there seems to be a scarcity of saints. Fewer Catholics sincerely strive to imitate Christ in our own days compared to the first few centuries when the faith was just taking root and Christians were greatly persecuted. “Sainthood” has gradually been viewed as a title reserved for a selected few who are monks or nuns and are preserved from the evils of this world. Yet, this is not Christ’s intention. Saints are ordinary people who lived in extraordinary ways because they have opened themselves to the transforming power of the gospel

St. Paul reminds us today that we all are called to be saints. Through our baptism, we have become a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set aside for God (1 Pet 2:9). Our Christian faith does not provide us with a world free from temptations; rather it assures us that as Christ overcame the world; we too can by God’s grace. The temptations exist to give us opportunities to grow in holiness.

Dear friend, we are called to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. We cannot afford to live like every other person. Let us embrace our call to be saints of the twenty-first century and avail ourselves of the opportunities the Church offers us to grow in holiness.

PRAYER: Holy Father, purify me and preserve me to live in holiness daily. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 132 – Why is the Church holy?

Whenever we allow ourselves to be touched by the Triune God, we grow in love and become holy and whole. The saints are lovers not because they are able to love so well, but because God has touched them. They pass on the love they have received from God to other people in their own, often original way. Once God takes them home, they also sanctify the Church, because they “spend their heaven” supporting us on our path to holiness.

HIDE A TREASURE: “So he who gives and those who receive holiness are one. He himself is not ashamed of calling us brothers and sisters,” Hebrews 2: 11 RSV-CE

Today’s readings: Romans 1: 1-7; Psalm 98: 1-4; Luke 11: 29-32