whose TEACHING who??? YOU are!!

In every age there are those whose commitment to living 'spiritually' that brings transformation not only to themselves but to all those who are influenced by their witness. We call them saints – not because they are better than the rest of us, but because in spite of the myriad allurements and pursuits available in life, they have set themselves to the task of spiritual illumination in order to become more fully human, more fully alive. Because we were created to be human BEings not human DOings!! They would be the first to say that they are not special. They are connected to something special, to something beyond them, to God. Doing life with God!!  Sometimes they are people who have taken seriously Jesus' words, “as you did to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40) and have given their lives over to serving others. Or they are contemplatives who have set themselves apart from the rest of the world to follow the Gospel call to “pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17), devoting their entire focus to the world of the spirit. Of course I am strange ~ an alien because I am NOT of this world and the world is NOT my home!!  Sometimes they are mystics who have heard the voice of God calling their name and respond by tunneling into their own soul, treading the roads of heaven while inhabiting earth. Or they are activists who have embraced the truth that we are all one in God and have fearlessly championed diversity in order to be a part of God's reconciling love in the world. Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said that holiness is not the station for a few but the simple duty of us all. Holiness is not moral perfection but openness to spiritual illumination. When we explore the lives of the people who have embraced holiness, we find that even though our circumstances may be different, there is still the possibility of deepening our own soul by joining in their practices. And celebrating with one another leads and spurs us onto enjoying the glory of God.  What about you?  thoughts, ideas or stories!! Whom are the saints in your life? Have a great weekend, m