Sometimes a casual glance at the lives of the Saints can discourage us--make us feel as though sanctity is not something meant for us. We may feel that we are not naturally holy or pure and that must mean that we are not called to be Saints. But God calls all of us to sanctity. He calls all of us to relationship with him and to service of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Here is some inspiration from spiritual reading and the Saints to remind each of us that God desires to make us great saints! 

"Oh my God, forgive what I have been, correct what I am, and direct what I will be"
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Often times our biggest barrier to holiness is our own shame surrounding our past failings and our current weaknesses. God can work miracles through our weakness if we only hand it over to him to be fortified. 

"May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be" 
- St. Teresa of Avila

St. Peter's words upon meeting Christ ring loudly in my soul "Depart from me, Lord, I am a sinful man." But Christ is not daunted by Peter's sin, nor his inexperience, nor his lack of faith. Trusting in God's plan for us is a great challenge and is the first step to holiness. Let us pray to understand why God has placed us where we are. Let us pray to be sanctified in our current circumstances. When our circumstances are difficult, let us pray for greater trust and perseverance. When our circumstances are joyful, let us pray in thanksgiving and become more deeply aware of God's providential love for us.

"Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and be that perfectly"
- St. Francis of Assisi 

In Scripture Christ reminds us to consider the lilies of the fields and how their splendor reflects God's providence and plan for them. If we could live in such simple glorification of God and pray for the desire to reflect God to the best of our ability as we are, we would find great peace, wisdom, and holiness. 

"Be brave, don't be afraid of your weakness, because in Christ crucified, you can do everything."
- St. Catherine of Sienna 

We are still in the Easter Season--still close enough to our Church's greatest commemoration of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Let us not belittle the boundlessness of grace and mercy that Christ pours forth in His death. Though we are weak, sinful, and afraid, Christ looks on us from the cross with love and forgiveness. Raise your eyes up to meet His and be filled with the love He has for you so that you may live every moment in proclamation of that love. 

"Don't be afraid to be saints"
- St. John Paul II

Most of us will not be called to die for Christ. Most of us will not be called to a life of contepletative prayer. But all of us are called to be saints. St. Therese, the Little Flower, reminds us to do all things with great love. Mother Teresa reminds us that we are called to be faithful, not successful. The way we drive to work in the morning, pack lunch or make dinner for our spouses or our children, order coffee from our favorite cafe--all these things can sanctify us and, through us, become a channel of grace and love toward others. In reality, my sainthood (if I can acheive it) will probably not be a spectacular story of holiness. I will probably never be quoted for inspiration in a book or even a blog post. Sometimes I feel that I am waiting for a big opportunity to become holy--for that moment when I have to proclaim Christ in the face of death or persecution. If I am being really honest, though, like St. Peter, I am likely not ready to die for Christ today though I would wish to be. I am more likely to deny Christ if put to that test. So, today, let me pray to proclaim Christ in the small, insignificant moments of joy or of struggle. So that, one day, my life may add up to many little proclamations of Christ. And so that, one day, if God ever asks me for a greater sacrifice of life, health, happiness, relationship, or anything else, I may be unafraid to give that to Him as well.