October 3, 2024 — Saint of the Day — Saint Theodora Guerin

“In 1823 she entered the Sisters of Providence. Her father was murdered and she cared for her mother and younger sister. In 1840 she was sent to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in Indiana.”

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

“The Fathers of the church particularly Clement of Alexandria, believed that the “light” in a person is his/her divine Sonship, the Word living in them. They [church Fathers] taught that the whole of the Christian life was summed up in a service of God which was not only a matter of outward worship, but of “cherishing” that which is divine in ourselves by means of unremitting charity. Clement adds that Christ teaches us “…that the whole Christian life is a course of spiritual education….through his Holy Spirit. We are supposed to be the light of the world.” (Thomas Merton, “Called Out of Darkness”, Life and Holiness, p.16)

What is holiness? What is “Divine Sonship”? Are we really supposed to be Saints? We are called by G-d to live lives of holiness—yet we also teach that this is not achievable — sainthood is outside of our “achievement”. But it is not outside G-d’s ability to give us the light, the courage and the strength to live such lives. And even if a life of holiness remains, well, elusive, we still have G-d’s unmerited Grace—an abundance of Grace. As such, our lives should be seen as opportunities for spiritual growth—building our holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Dave