I’m fascinated by stained-glass windows. However when the sun isn’t shining through, they appear dark and uninteresting, but oh, when the light shines through, they’re enchanting. As the sun changes angles, we see clearly the details and colors painstakingly crafted by the artisan. The centuries-old ones are the best as they brilliantly pop in an otherwise dreary Gothic edifice. One can scrutinize to one’s heart’s content and continually discover beauty.

This joy, which is available to everyone, comes from bits of glass and metal. Without light to shine through, much remains undiscovered or unappreciated.

Consider this: each of us is infinitely more beautiful to behold, and when we allow the light of Christ to shine through us, we become something magnificent to regard; literally radiating the Son.

The saints did just that.

All those holy men and women we call saints were regular folks just like us. Some were single, religious, or clergy. Others were parents, enslaved people, children, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and soldiers. They came from every walk of life. Some were learned, others had only a negligible education. What those men and women shared in common was that they invited Christ into their hearts, minds, and souls. They said yes and let God do the rest; thus, they received unimaginable wisdom and courage, and miraculous feats were given to mere humans.

Imagine what God can do with you.

No thanks, Barb, I don’t think I can be a saint. I don’t have any special gifts like all those amazing saints in heaven. I’m too ordinary.

I remember hearing a talk by the singer-songwriter Steve Agrisano, who said, “Anyone in heaven is a saint.” Not everyone in heaven is a canonized saint recognized by the Church; in fact, there are countless anonymous saints known only to God. I’m here to remind myself and you that, as ordinary as we are, it was Christ in them that made all the difference, from ordinary to extraordinary.

So even little ol’ me can become a saint.

It is not by coincidence that we live at this moment in history, nor in the place where we live. God has willed it, knowing the plans He has for each of us if we cooperate with His grace and design. We are equipped and already have what it takes to be saints. Now we must trust God to take us there.

“We can, if we will, become a saint, for God will never refuse to help us to do so.” – St. John Vianney.

What’s the alternative? Think about it —don’t be naïve; stop sitting on the fence, the ‘wait and see,’ ‘maybe later’ fence. This decision impacts your eternity, and not deciding is deciding. At the end of our lives, there are but two destinations ultimately: sainthood in heaven or the bowels of hell.

Holiness does not consist in not making mistakes or never sinning. Holiness grows with capacity for conversion, repentance, willingness to begin again, and above all with the capacity for reconciliation and forgiveness. ~ Cardinal Ratzinger, future Pope Benedict XVI

It might look pretty sloppy as we begin to navigate holiness, falling, and starting again. That’s okay, it is movement in the right direction and willingness to begin again when we mess up.

“Start being brave about everything. Drive out darkness and spread light. Don’t look at your weaknesses. Realize instead that in Christ crucified you can do everything.” -St. Catherine of Siena

START NOW! Make a prayerful plan that includes dedicated time before the Blessed Sacrament, where you will receive more than you give. Start small and make a habit of praying, listening, and being aware of God’s movements guiding you. Faithfulness to Mass attendance, Confession, and prayer strengthens us. Offering up inconveniences and suffering is a good habit to get into as we seek our halo. Freely choosing to fast in little ways also boosts our efforts.

When we act on what we believe God is asking of us, it pleases God.

“All the science of the Saints is included in these two things: To do, and to suffer. And whoever has done these two things best has made himself most saintly.”  – St. Francis de Sales

God has a mission for each of us, and it is unique to us. If we do not do it, He will ask someone else, or it will go undone. Eternally speaking, every little act of obedience, kindness, and love matters. Doing the Will of God matters most.

St. JPII said, “Prayer joined to sacrifices constitutes the most powerful force in history.”

You and I are capable of this. It is not more than we can handle. Ask yourself, do I dare to desire to be a saint? Please do not delay, we have today. God will bless and encourage every move in the right direction, and remember:

If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire.  ~ St. Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church

Become the brilliant stained-glass window that Christ shines His light and love through, the one that makes all the difference to your soul and all the people you will one day meet in heaven.