A Christian’s True Mission: Becoming A Saint

“St. Francis died here”: A photo from the Herbecks’ visit to Assisi.

We at Renewal Ministries often share quotes with each other that speak to our hearts or encourage us in our work of serving the Lord. Ralph Martin recently shared the following quote from Fr. Henri de Lubac, SJ:

It is not the proper duty of Christianity to form leaders—that is builders of the temporal, although a legion of Christian leaders is infinitely desirable. Christianity must generate saints—that is witnesses to the eternal. The efficacy of a saint is not that of a leader. The saint does not have to bring about great temporal achievements. He is one who gives us at least a glimpse of eternity despite the thick opacity of time.

This quote prompted a reflection from Peter Herbeck, which is shared below. Peter was in Italy with his wife, Debbie, when he wrote this reflection. They were celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of their wedding.

Exactly! That is the message I’ve heard and felt all week, while visiting Siena and Assisi, and reflecting on the lives of Ss. Catherine, Agnus, Francis, Bernard, Rufino, Leo, Clare, and others.

Their impact flowered from their union with Jesus in the Holy Spirit and from intimate communion with Mary, the saints, and the angels. Saints are simultaneously the most humble, powerful, beautiful, and simple people to walk the earth. They are living in heaven while on earth, and producing impact for the Kingdom during their lifetimes and for centuries after their deaths.

Saints of heaven, help us become saints!!!

We hope these two men’s thoughts encourage you to find companionship and encouragement in the great “cloud of witnesses” that accompany each of us in our walk with the Lord (Heb 12:1). We pray it also helps bring you an increased peace and understanding of our true mission as Christians who hope to one day become saints—people who give us “at least a glimpse of eternity despite the thick opacity of time.”